New study compares differences in cancer risk among bariatric patients.
The Cancer Risk drops in half with over 20% weight-loss after bariatric surgery.
We know how fatal cancer can be, cause obesity is second only to cigarette smoking as the most preventable form of cancer in the U.S. But obesity can be treated. Doing so can lower your risk from suffering from up to thirteen separate cancers, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
Why Are Obese Patients More Susceptible to Cancer?
The link between obesity and cancer exists. Fat cells produce hormones, such as insulin and estrogen. These hormones stimulate cell growth and promote the development of tumors. Fatty tissue can also have a detrimental effect on the body’s immune response. The combination of these factors can lead to the development of several cancers. In fact, one study showed that obesity leads to the development of 40% of all cancers diagnosed throughout the country.
How Much Lower is the Risk of Cancer After Bariatric Surgery?
The studies show a positive correlation between bariatric procedures and lowered risk of cancer. These studies focus on individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.
According to a new study* presented on Nov. 5, 2019 in Las Vegas by Oregon Health & Science University researchers at the 36th American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Annual Meeting at ObesityWeek 2019. The chances of developing cancer after bariatrics is cut in half, as long as the patient goes on to lose at least 20% of their excess weight.
Researchers reviewed data from 2,107 adults who underwent bariatric surgery, either laparoscopic gastric bypass or gastric banding.
“Our data suggests that there is a weight loss threshold, that if achieved, significantly reduces risk of cancer in post-bariatric surgery patients”
said lead study author Andrea M. Stroud, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Bariatric Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine in Portland.
“For people with severe obesity, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment available and we’re seeing more and more evidence that it’s also an effective way to prevent a number of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes,”
said Eric J. DeMaria, MD, President, ASMBS and Professor and Chief, Division of General/Bariatric Sur.
About Dr. Huacuz
Dr. Huacuz is a General Surgeon with a Specialty in Bariatric Surgery, which is doubly certified by both the Mexican Council of General Surgery and the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases, in addition to being a Regular Member of the ASMBS and IFSO.
He has more than 20 years of experience in the area of General Surgery and Training in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery. Currently Dr. Huacuz is the tenured professor of the Laparoscopic Surgery for Surgeons course at the HGR01 of the IMSS Tijuana for 10 years where he receives two fellows annually.
Source: ASMBS