Bariatric surgery reduces breast cancer risk in obese women
Last reviewed: 14.06.2024
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Bariatric surgery is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in obese women. These findings come from a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg. The risk reduction is most pronounced in those who had high blood insulin levels at the time of surgery.
The study, published in JAMA Surgery, was based on data from 2,867 obese women, half of whom underwent bariatric surgery at 25 surgical sites. The remaining women, the control group, received standard obesity treatment at 480 medical centers. The groups were comparable in age and body size.
Main results
The results showed that a total of 154 women developed breast cancer, 66 in the surgery group and 88 in the standard obesity treatment group. Unpowered analyzes found that women who had bariatric surgery had a 32% lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Further analyzes showed that women with high levels of insulin at study entry, defined as insulin above the group median, had a 52% lower risk of developing breast cancer after bariatric surgery surgery compared to the control group.
Variations in effectiveness of cancer risk reduction
Felipe Christensson, a PhD student at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, a doctor at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital and one of the main participants in the study, said:
"Based on our results, we will have a better understanding of which patients benefit from surgery and which have less favorable outcomes. This will lead to more personalized care, ensuring each patient receives the most appropriate treatment for their condition."
“The results also reflect the biological mechanisms underlying cancer development, in which insulin plays an important role. Further research into such mechanisms also opens the way for the development of new cancer treatments,” added Christensson.
Long-term protection after surgery
Bariatric surgery is known to be one of the most effective methods for significant and lasting weight loss. The surgery also provides long-term protection against diseases associated with obesity, such as various forms of cancer.
The current study is based on data from the SOS (Swedish Obese Subjects) study and the Cancer Registry. The SOS study, managed by the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, is the world's largest study of the long-term effects of bariatric surgery compared with standard obesity treatment.