- Researchers report that certain type 2 diabetes drugs, which are also used for weight loss, may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Obesity and diabetes are both risk factors for colorectal cancer.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular checkups, and managing diabetes all help lower your risk of colorectal cancer.
A class of type 2 diabetes drugs, including weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, may also help prevent colorectal cancer, according to a new study.
Researchers found that these drugs, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin production, and slow stomach emptying. It has been reported that it helps manage diabetes and promotes weight loss.
Obesity and diabetes are both risk factors for colorectal cancer, so
Across 15 years of study data, researchers found that study participants treated with GLP-1 RAs had a 44% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to other type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin. % was reported to be lower.
Additionally, people treated with GLP-1 RAs had a 25% lower risk of colorectal cancer than those treated with the drug metformin.
“The exact reason why diabetes is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer remains unclear.” Dr. Daniel Landau, a physician in medical oncology, internal medicine, and hematology, and a specialty contributor at the Florida Mesothelioma Center, was not involved in the study. “The theory is that diabetes is a pro-inflammatory condition, that inflammation is a cancer risk, that overexposure of tissues to endogenous sugars promotes an environment in which cancer can grow, and that diabetes is often This may be consistent with other risk factors such as obesity.”
“What is not clear is how effective diabetes treatment is in reducing the high risk of cancer,” Landau said. Today’s medical news. “With the advent of GLP1-Ras, we now have data that these treatments may be more effective than other drugs at reducing the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with diabetes.”
As for why these particular drugs are more effective at preventing colorectal cancer than other type 2 diabetes drugs, Dr. Landau says they may simply be better at causing weight loss. We speculate that it may be more effective because of its longer action time.
“This study could be a breakthrough in understanding the relationship between diabetes treatment and cancer prevention.” Dr. Wael Herba hematologist and medical oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Center in California, was not involved in the study.
“As a physician in the biopharmaceutical industry, I think these early findings are promising,” Herb said. Today’s medical news. “However, it is important to emphasize that these are preliminary results and need to be validated through larger and more comprehensive studies before considering clinical application.”
Dr. Anton BilchikHe is a surgical oncologist, medical director, and director of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary program at St. John’s Cancer Institute in California. He called it “important and provocative” in terms of deepening our understanding of the subject. .
“These drugs are being used more frequently because they have a greater impact on weight loss,” said Bilchik, who was not involved in the study. Today’s medical news. “If independent mechanisms reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, this study could provide scientists with an opportunity to better understand the causes of colorectal cancer.”
The best way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, whether you are taking medication or not, is to avoid type 2 diabetes and obesity, eat a healthy diet, and have regular health checkups. says the expert.
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“Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, and we see how rates are increasing in people under 50 in the United States,” he said. Dr. Misag Karimi, Medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers at Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, City of Hope Orange County, California.
“To lower your risk of colorectal cancer, it’s important to eat a nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables, stay physically active, limit your alcohol intake, and don’t smoke.” said Karimi, who was not involved in the new study. Today’s medical news. “Early detection can make a big difference, so it’s important to get a colorectal cancer screening test as recommended by your doctor.”