People with obesity are at a higher risk of getting certain cancers. A large study has shown that weight loss surgery, like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, may lower that risk. The researchers reviewed data from many past studies to find out if surgery helps protect against cancer.
They found that people who had the surgery were less likely to get cancers such as colorectal, uterine, breast, and esophageal. These are some of the more common and serious cancers. The study didn’t see big changes for skin or pancreatic cancer, but there was still a small positive trend.
The benefit comes not just from losing weight, but from how the surgery changes the body. It helps reduce inflammation and hormone changes that can lead to cancer. This means the surgery might be doing more than just helping people lose weight.
If you’re thinking about surgery and worried about cancer, this study shows there could be added protection. Talk to your doctor about your options.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2024.10.023
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