If you’ve struggled to lose weight, chances are you’ve heard about GLP-1 medications: drugs like semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide and dulaglutide. Brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have become some of the most talked about medications in years.
GLP-1 drugs, also called GLP-1 receptor agonists, are designed to block the GLP-1 hormone. Originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, these drugs have gained attention for their ability to support weight loss.
But recently, researchers have been asking another important question: Could these medications also affect your risk of cancer?
Michael Choti, MD, MBA, a surgical oncologist and chief of surgery at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, said the short answer is that we don’t know yet.
“These medications were developed for diabetes but have proven remarkably effective for obesity ,” he said. “Because obesity is linked to cancer risk, researchers are now studying whether GLP-1 drugs may also reduce cancer risk. There’s growing interest and some early studies, but current data is limited.”
We talked with Dr. Choti about what researchers have learned so far and what steps you can take to lower your risk.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. These drugs, also called agonists, block the GLP-1 receptor. They mimic a natural hormone that helps your body control blood sugar and appetite. GLP-1 receptors are also found in other places in the body, including the brain.
They help the pancreas release insulin, slow digestion and signal fullness, all of which can support healthy weight loss.
Common GLP-1 medications include:
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
How obesity and diabetes are linked to cancer
Obesity (when you have a BMI of 30 or more) is a known risk factor for cancer. Carrying extra body weight can cause inflammation and hormone changes that make it easier for some cancers to grow.
“We know obesity is associated with the development of many common cancers,” Dr. Choti said. “These include liver, thyroid, pancreas, bladder, colorectal, breast, stomach and ovarian cancers.”
The link between diabetes and cancer is less direct. “It’s trickier to show a clear connection between type 2 diabetes and cancer,” Dr. Choti said. “In some cases, such as pancreatic cancer, diabetes may even appear as a consequence of the cancer rather than a cause.”
What research shows about GLP-1s and cancer risk
Because obesity raises cancer risk, scientists have wondered if GLP-1 medications, in addition to weight loss, might help lower that risk.
So far, the results are mixed but promising.
A large study published in JAMA Oncology looked at a population of more than 86,000 in Florida. It compared people who took weight-loss injection medications with those who didn’t. Researchers found that GLP-1 users had a lower overall risk of developing cancer.
The study showed a reduced risk of endometrial, ovarian and brain (meningioma) cancers.
“Some of these cancers appear to be hormonally driven,” Dr. Choti said. “It may be that GLP-1s help improve metabolism and reduce inflammation, which could play a role. But we still don’t know for sure.”
Another study from Case Western Reserve University found that taking GLP-1s may reduce the risk of 10 obesity-related cancers, including colorectal, kidney, liver, pancreatic and ovarian cancers.
The impact of these drugs on cancer risk is not so simple. Some early animal studies raised concerns about a possible link between GLP-1 medications and thyroid cancer but that hasn’t been proven in humans.
Still, if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), talk with your provider before taking these medications.
A few other studies have shown mixed results. One Danish study found a slightly higher rate of kidney cancer in GLP-1 users, though the difference wasn’t significant.
“We are also still learning about other effects of these drugs. We know that GLP-1 agonists, for example, may also affect other receptors in the brain, such as dopamine,” Dr. Choti said. “But for now, it’s too early to draw firm conclusions. The data is still evolving.”
What this means for you
Right now, there’s no clear proof that GLP-1 medications prevent or cause cancer. But if these drugs help you reach and maintain a healthier weight, that may indirectly lower your risk.
“If these weight-loss medications help patients manage obesity, that can have a positive impact,” Dr. Choti said. “But these drugs themselves are not cancer-prevention tools.”
If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication or thinking about it, talk with your health care provider. They can help you understand your personal risks and benefits and guide you toward safe, effective treatment.
Ways to lower your cancer risk
While research continues, there’s a lot you can do right now to protect your health. These are ways you can reduce cancer risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss can make a difference. Focus on small, lasting lifestyle changes.
- Eat a balanced diet: Fill your place with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks and red meat.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly, such as swimming.
- Don’t smoke or use any form of tobacco: Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of cancer. If you smoke, ask your provider for help to quit or call the National Institutes of Health Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 (or text QUIT to 47848). Visit www.SmokeFree.gov for more information.
- Limit alcohol: For cancer prevention it’s best not to drink alcohol. Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers, including breast and liver cancers.
- Keep up with screenings: Screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams and, HPV and Pap tests can detect cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
- Get vaccinated: All males and females ages 9 to 26 should get the HPV vaccine.
- Protect yourself from UV rays: Limit your exposure to the UV rays emitted by the sun and tanning beds. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Know your family history: About 5-10% of cancers are inherited. Talk to your family about their medical history so your doctor can assess your risk.
- Know your body: See your provider if you notice new or unusual symptoms, like unexplained weight loss, lumps or fatigue.
Takeaway
GLP-1 medications are transforming how we treat diabetes and obesity. Early research suggests they could also influence cancer risk. But for now, the data isn’t clear.
“The early data is interesting, but we can’t make firm conclusions yet,” Dr. Choti said. “The best ways to lower your cancer risk are still the same: maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay up to date on your screenings.”
If you’re interested in learning more about your cancer risk and prevention options, our team at Banner MD Anderson is here for you. Request an appointment today.
