Weight Loss Surgery May Lower Risk of Some Cancers

Weight loss surgery may help lower the risk of certain cancers. A new study looked at people who had metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. These surgeries help people with obesity lose weight. The study found that people who had MBS had a lower risk of getting some cancers compared to those who didn’t have surgery.

The cancers that showed the biggest drop in risk were colorectal, uterine, breast, and esophageal. The study looked at over 11,000 people and found 21 studies that met the research standards. People who had surgery were less likely to get cancer than those who only tried to lose weight without surgery.

Doctors think this may happen because losing weight through surgery changes how the body works, not just the number on the scale. Some cancers like liver and pancreatic cancer didn’t change much, but researchers still noticed a trend.

If you’re living with obesity and concerned about cancer, this study gives hope. Surgery might help reduce your cancer risk, not just help you lose weight.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2024.10.023