Bariatric bypass reduces cancer risk by 25%.

Bariatric bypass reduces cancer risk by 25%.

The Link Between Bariatric Surgery and Reducing Cancer Risk

surgeons discussing cancer

Image source: Victor Torress/Stocksy

Are you considering bariatric surgery for weight loss? Well, here’s some exciting news! A recent study suggests that undergoing bariatric surgery may not only help you shed those extra pounds but also lower your risk of developing cancer and increase your chances of survival if diagnosed with the disease.

In the United States, around 21% of deaths in 2019 were cancer-related, and obesity is strongly associated with thirteen types of cancer, including colorectal and breast cancer. With approximately 42.5% of adults classified as obese and 31.1% considered overweight, it is crucial to explore options that can reduce the risks associated with obesity.

Although it’s widely known that higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to increased cancer risk, it has been unclear whether methods to reduce BMI effectively decrease the likelihood of developing cancer. However, studies have shown that bariatric surgery, a series of surgical procedures that modify the digestive system to facilitate weight loss, is associated with significant and sustained weight loss. Moreover, it appears to modulate cancer-related biological mechanisms, potentially reducing cancer incidence and improving mortality rates for certain types of cancer.

Unveiling the Findings

A study published in the journal Obesity delved into the long-term healthcare data of 21,837 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery between 1982 and 2018. These patients were compared to a control group of 21,837 individuals who did not undergo surgery but were matched for age, sex, and BMI. The surgical procedures included gastric bypass, gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch.

Over a follow-up period of 2.8 to 13.5 years, the researchers discovered that patients who had bariatric surgery were 25% less likely to develop any type of cancer compared to the nonsurgical group. Even more impressive, the surgery reduced the risk of cancer-related mortality by a striking 43%.

Gender Differences in Cancer Risk Reduction

Interestingly, the study revealed that women who underwent surgery experienced a 41% reduction in the risk of developing obesity-related cancers, such as breast, ovarian, uterine, and colon cancer. Furthermore, they had a 47% lower overall cancer mortality rate compared to women who did not have bariatric surgery. This included a 55% decrease in mortality from obesity-related cancers and a 38% decrease in mortality from non-obesity-related cancers.

Unfortunately, the same significant cancer risk reduction was not observed among male patients who underwent bariatric surgery. It did, however, reduce cancer mortality by 51% for non-obesity-related cancers. These sex-specific findings align with previous research in this field.

Shedding Light on the Mechanisms

Regarding the mechanisms through which bariatric surgery reduces cancer risk, Dr. Ted Adams, a corresponding author of the study, suggests that hormonal factors may play a role, particularly for obesity-related cancers in women. Hormones influenced by obesity, such as estrogen, are known to promote the growth of certain cancers, like uterine and breast cancer. Weight loss resulting from bariatric surgery could lower these hormone levels, thus reducing the risk of developing these cancers.

Dr. Joshua Cohen, a gynecologic oncologist, further explains the potential impact of hormonal changes associated with bariatric surgery on cancer risk. He notes that excess body fat produces estrogen, which certain cancers depend on to grow. Therefore, weight loss resulting from bariatric surgery may decrease estrogen levels, subsequently lowering the individual’s risk of developing gynecologic cancers and estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, as well as overall cancer risk.

Limitations and Future Implications

While the study showcased the clear correlation between bariatric surgery and reduced cancer risk, it is essential to recognize its limitations. The findings demonstrate a correlation but do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Additionally, since most patients in the study underwent gastric bypass, the effects of other bariatric procedures on cancer risk remain less clear.

To fully understand the potential benefits of bariatric surgery, further research is required. Longitudinal BMI measurements, nutritional assessments, physical activity evaluations, and data on smoking history should be included in future studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of bariatric surgery on cancer outcomes and to confirm these findings.

Toward a New Approach to Cancer Treatment

Dr. David Voellinger, a bariatric surgeon, emphasizes the significant implications of this study in terms of cancer treatment. He suggests that bariatric surgery not only decreases the incidence of certain cancers but also reduces associated mortality rates. Primary care physicians and oncologists should consider weight loss and bariatric surgery as valuable tools for the treatment of cancer.

Additionally, Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, discusses the potential benefits of newer drugs, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, in achieving similar long-term cancer risk reduction as bariatric surgery. In conjunction with stringent patient selection criteria, these drugs could be promising alternatives for those unable or unwilling to undergo surgery.

Precautions and a Holistic Approach

Before considering bariatric surgery or any treatment that affects hormone production, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional about potential health risks. While bariatric surgery can be an effective treatment for severe obesity, it is an intermediate-to-high-risk surgical procedure.

In conclusion, the implications of this study shed light on the numerous long-term benefits of weight loss surgery. Weight loss is not always the first association people make when thinking about obesity-related interventions, but it plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing cancer. By working closely with medical providers and nutrition counselors, individuals can incorporate positive lifestyle changes that not only aid in weight loss but also help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

So, if you have been contemplating weight loss surgery, now you have one more reason to seriously consider it. Embrace the potential for a healthier future as you embark on your journey to weight loss and lower cancer risk through bariatric surgery.