Weight loss surgery may reduce the risk of cancer, particularly in post menopausal women.
Obesity has been linked with an increased risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus).
It seems that the higher the BMI, the greater the risk may be.
The key question is, can the cancer risk be ameliorated through weight loss and can bariatric surgery therefore reduce cancer risk?
Several studies in fact support the notion than bariatric surgery can reduce cancer risk.
From the Swedish SOS study1 the risk of women developing cancer after bariatric surgery was also halved compared to obese individuals who had not lost weight.
At least three other studies have shown supporting evidence of this link and overall the evidence if fairly strong.
These findings are intriguing and represent yet another compelling reason for weight loss intervention in obese individuals.
Reference:
1. Sjostrom L, Gummesson A, Sjostrom CD, et al. Effects of bariatric surgery on cancer incidence in obese patients in Sweden (Swedish Obese Subjects Study): a prospective, controlled intervention trial. Lancet Oncol 2009;10:653-62.