Could Weight Loss Surgery Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?
Weight loss surgery has many benefits, including potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer by 37%.
Obesity is associated with many health problems, including an increased risk of cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that excess body weight may be responsible for up to 8% of all cancers. Fortunately, weight loss surgery may help reduce these risks.
A recent study published in the Annals of Surgery looks at the impact of weight loss surgery on the rate of breast cancer in women. Published in April, the report found that women who underwent bariatric surgery had a 37% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t.
These results highlight one of the many health benefits of weight loss surgery. When performed by expert surgeons like those at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors, bariatric surgery can be a life-saving treatment. It has the potential to not only reduce your risk of cancer, but also help you manage serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. Plus, weight loss procedures can help you look and feel healthier, happier, and more confident.
Bariatric Surgery Lowers Cancer Risk
The Annals of Surgery study compared two groups of women with morbid obesity: nearly 18,000 who had bariatric surgery and nearly 54,000 who did not. The patients in each group were similar in terms of age, existing medical conditions, and body mass index (BMI). In the first group, the most commonly performed procedure was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, followed by sleeve gastrectomy.
The women who had weight loss surgery saw their risk of breast cancer decrease by 37% on average. While further research is needed to determine whether these results can be maintained over the long term, this study provides important evidence for the claim that bariatric procedures can lower cancer risk. They support data collected in previous reports, including a 2017 study that found that morbidly obese women who underwent weight loss surgery were 33% less likely to develop any type of cancer.
Additional Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
In addition to lowering the risk of cancer, weight loss surgery offers many other health benefits. Obese people have a greater chance of developing potentially dangerous conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and joint pain, but weight loss surgery can improve these conditions — and even eliminate them entirely.
The results of the study published in the Annals of Surgery are especially important given the fact that obesity has become an increasingly common concern. Plus, very few modifiable breast cancer risk factors have been found — meaning changes introduced as a result of this study could help save the lives of at-risk women.
Are you considering weight loss surgery? The experienced surgeons and knowledgeable care staff at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors will walk you through the different procedures and explain each of their benefits in detail. If you’re ready to lower your risk of cancer, improve your overall health, or simply feel more confident, set up your appointment today. Give us a call or request a visit online to start your journey to the new you!