Bariatric Surgery Prevents Cancer in Women

[Guest guest]

" Obese women who undergo weight-loss surgery are significantly less likely to

develop cancer than obese women who do not receive such surgery. These results

were published in Lancet Oncology. Obesity has been linked with an increased

risk of several types of cancer, and with worse survival once cancer develops.

Relatively few studies, however, have addressed the question of whether weight

loss will reduce these risks. Bariatric surgery refers to the several different

types of surgical procedures that are used to treat obesity. These procedures

include vertical banded gastroplasty, adjustable gastric banding, and gastric

bypass.

" The effect of bariatric surgery on cancer risk was evaluated in a study

conducted in Sweden. The study enrolled a total of 4,047 obese individuals,

roughly half of whom underwent bariatric surgery. In order to be eligible, men

had to have a body mass index (BMI) of 34 or higher and women had to have a BMI

of 38 or higher. A previous report from this study indicated that bariatric

surgery produces long-term weight loss and a substantial reduction in overall

mortality. The current analysis focuses on cancer, and demonstrates a large

reduction in risk for women:

" Over 10 years, bariatric surgery resulted in a sustained average weight loss of

44 pounds. During the same period, individuals in the comparison group (who did

not undergo bariatric surgery) gained an average of three pounds. In women, the

number of first-time cancers was 42% lower among those who underwent bariatric

surgery than among those who did not. In men, the risk of cancer was similar

among those who did and did not undergo bariatric surgery.

" The researchers conclude that bariatric surgery reduces the risk of cancer in

obese women but not in obese men. The reasons for this difference between men

and women are unclear; the difference may be real or may be a function of the

relatively small sample size or short duration of follow-up. "

Reference: Lancet Oncology [early online publication]. June 24, 2009.

FYI,

Lottie