Medications used to treat obesity may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, a new study finds.
In addition to their ability to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1 RAs), like Ozempic, may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).
New research, published earlier this month in JAMA Oncology, analyzed the electronic health records of more than 1.2 million patients who were given antidiabetic agents from 2005–2019.
The research team examined the effects of GLP-1 RAs on their incidence of CRC, as compared to those prescribed other antidiabetic drugs. They discovered the following:
Overall, GLP-1 RAs, like Ozempic, lowered the rate of CRC.
Due to the drug class’ ability to combat obesity, there are certain factors to consider in this correlation.
Being overweight, having obesity, or having type 2 diabetes are risk factors for increasing the incidence of CRC and for making its prognosis worse.
“This risk is related to the effect of elevated levels of glucose and insulin in patients with diabetes, levels that may promote the growth of tumors," Cedrek McFadden, MD, a member of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance medical scientific advisory committee, told Health.
He explained that patients with diabetes or obesity have a higher likelihood of dying from colorectal cancer, too.
Weight loss from GLP-1 RAs is most likely not the only factor in helping to reduce CRC, added Nathan Berger, MD, professor of experimental medicine at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and the study’s co-lead researcher.
“Our study looked at cancer prevention, not mechanism,” he told Health. “However, the GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced CRC incidence in patients with or without overweight and obesity.”
Extensive and prolonged clinical trials are needed to further investigate GLP-1 RAs association with cancer risks and progression, explained McFadden.
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As the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., the Colorectal Cancer Alliance estimates that about 153,020 people will be diagnosed with CRC this year.
The median age of diagnosis for both men and women is 66 years old. However, rates for people under 50 increased by 2.2% each year between 2007 and 2016.
African Americans have the second highest incidence of CRC and mortality rates, with a 20% higher incidence and 35% higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer.
“The disparities in colorectal cancer within the African-American community are linked to genetic factors, more aggressive tumor biology, lower rates of screening, and socioeconomic disparities,” McFadden told Health.
“Additionally, a stigma that this disease is a disease of ‘older, white men’ exists, which causes many African Americans to ignore preventive strategies,” he said.
He explained that other risk factors associated with colorectal cancer include:
“There are extensive algorithms available to assess the risk of CRC, which is especially increased by overweight/obesity and by diabetes,” Berger said.
He explained that people can screen for CRC by a variety of tests, including FIT, colonoscopy, and Cologuard.
For people with a strong family history of CRC or specific genetic syndromes, genetic testing is often recommended to assess inherited risk factors, explained McFadden.
“However, regardless of the family history, it is crucial to report any unusual symptoms or concerns related to the digestive system, such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, or unintended weight loss,” he said.
Regular screenings significantly contribute to the prevention of CRC.
In fact, with screening, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
Screening typically begins at the age of 45 with a colonoscopy. However, if there is a familial history of colorectal cancer or polyps, screenings should be initiated ten years before the family member was diagnosed, McFadden explained.
“Irrespective of age, individuals should undergo a colonoscopy if they experience any symptoms associated with colorectal cancer, such as rectal bleeding, alterations in bowel habits, abdominal pain, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss,” he said.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance launched a Health Equity Fund to help decrease disparities when it comes to screening and treatment for people disproportionately affected by the disease, and to improve outcomes among those with significant barriers to quality care.
The Fund provides free colonoscopies for Black Americans, free online screening quizzes, financial assistance for non-medical expenses related to CRC screening and treatment, and more.
“If colorectal cancer is diagnosed, doctors will help with understanding the stage of the cancer and explore appropriate treatment options that may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these,” said McFadden.
In complex cases, or when faced with difficult treatment decisions, McFadden explained that seeking a second opinion from another qualified healthcare professional can provide additional perspectives and insights.
