Obesity is a significant risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrial, and kidney cancer. The cancer risk is directly proportional to the body mass index (BMI), with a higher BMI causing a higher risk.

Moreover, obesity-related cancer is usually more aggressive and deadly. Fortunately, weight loss surgery can significantly lower the cancer risk in obese individuals.

Understanding the Link Between Obesity and Cancer

Obesity causes cancer through several mechanisms. Firstly, fat cells release hormones and growth factors that promote inflammation, cell growth, and division. Consequently, this increases the likelihood of DNA mutations and tumor formation.

Secondly, obese individuals have higher insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels. These hormones also promote cell growth and division and can cause insulin resistance, leading to diabetes. Finally, obesity can suppress the immune system, which can reduce the ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells.

How Weight Loss Surgery Works

Weight loss surgery works by reducing the stomach size or rerouting the digestive tract to limit calorie absorption.

There are several types of weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Gastric bypass is the most common surgery and involves creating a small pouch in the stomach and connecting it to the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients.

The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery on Cancer Risk

Weight loss surgery can reduce the cancer risk in obese individuals by several mechanisms. Firstly, weight loss surgery leads to significant weight loss and reduces inflammation, insulin, IGF, and other hormones that promote cancer growth.

Secondly, it can improve insulin resistance, glucose tolerance, and diabetes control, reducing cancer risk. Thirdly, weight loss surgery can improve immune function and thus enhance the body’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells.

Finally, weight loss surgery can lower the amount of estrogen produced by fat cells, reducing the risk of breast and endometrial cancer.

Evidence Supporting the Link Between Weight Loss Surgery and Lower Cancer Risk

Several studies have shown that weight loss surgery can lower the cancer risk in obese individuals.

For example, a study on 22,198 bariatric surgery patients found that weight loss surgery reduced the overall cancer incidence by 33% and the incidence of obesity-related cancer by 45%. Another study on 1,035 obese women found that those who underwent weight loss surgery had a 42% lower cancer risk compared to those who did not have surgery.

Moreover, weight loss surgery can also improve cancer outcomes and survival in obese individuals with cancer.

Other Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery has numerous other health benefits besides lowering cancer risk. Firstly, it can improve or resolve many obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and joint pain.

Secondly, weight loss surgery can improve mental health, self-esteem, and quality of life in obese individuals. Thirdly, weight loss surgery can extend lifespan and prevent premature death from obesity-related causes.

Risks and Complications of Weight Loss Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery carries some risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, bowel obstruction, dumping syndrome, nausea, vomiting, and stomach ulcers.

Moreover, weight loss surgery requires a significant lifestyle change, including a restrictive diet, regular exercise, and long-term follow-up with a healthcare team. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery with your healthcare provider and choose the most appropriate option for your needs and goals.

Conclusion

Obesity is a significant risk factor for many types of cancer, and weight loss surgery can significantly lower the cancer risk in obese individuals.

Weight loss surgery lowers cancer risk by reducing inflammation, hormones, insulin resistance, and immune suppression caused by obesity. Moreover, weight loss surgery has numerous other health benefits such as improving or resolving obesity-related conditions, mental health, quality of life, and lifespan.

However, weight loss surgery also carries some risks and requires significant lifestyle changes. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery with your healthcare provider and make an informed decision.