The relationship between GLP-1s and breast cancer

The use of GLP-1 agonist medications to assist with weight loss continues to grow in popularity. Now, researchers are exploring the relationship between GLP-1 medications and breast cancer risk.

“When it comes to breast cancer, there are certain risk factors we cannot change, like our age and ethnicity, but there are also modifiable factors that, when altered, can make a significant difference in lowering the chances of being diagnosed,” explains Dr. Shaina Rozell, an oncologist at Advocate Health Care. “Being overweight and obese is one example.”

Obesity is one of the modifiable factors associated with breast cancer risk, which is part of what makes new GLP-1 research especially interesting. Because GLP-1 medications can lead to significant weight loss, researchers are studying whether their growing use may also be associated with differences in cancer risk.

What the study found 

Research published in the Annals of Oncology examined the relationship between GLP-1 use and 13 cancers associated with obesity. The study included nearly 230,000 adults with obesity who did not have diabetes or a previous diagnosis of an obesity-associated cancer. Researchers found GLP-1 use was associated with a lower incidence of obesity-associated cancers overall. Breast cancer was among the cancers evaluated in the study.

However, the findings don’t prove that GLP-1 medications prevented cancer or explain what may be driving the association. The researchers noted that longer, prospective studies are needed to determine whether GLP-1 medications themselves are responsible for the lower cancer risk observed.

Managing weight during and after cancer treatment

GLP-1 medication may also help some cancer patients manage weight gain during treatment.

“It’s not uncommon for women to experience weight gain during treatment,” says Dr. Rozell. “There are many reasons for this, including a lowered metabolism as a result of certain chemotherapy drugs, steroids’ effect on appetite, and general fatigue, which leads to lower activity levels.”

Once cancer treatment is over, GLP-1s could also help improve women’s health during survivorship.

“By keeping their weight within a healthy range, women lower their chances of cancer recurrence,” Dr. Rozell says. “Overall, GLP-1s can be an extremely beneficial tool in improving long-term outcomes for those facing a cancer diagnosis.”

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