Weight Loss Surgery Is Linked to a Dramatic Drop in Cancer Risk: Study

Obesity is linked to a number of health issues, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, liver problems, and joint disorders. But many people might not know that the condition is also closely tied to cancer. In a study published in JAMA, researchers provide the strongest evidence yet supporting the link between obesity and cancer, and the benefits of weight-loss surgery in lowering the risk of developing or dying from cancer. The trial involved more than 30,000 patients with obesity: some of whom had bariatric surgery for weight loss, and some who served as non-surgical controls and received standard care for their obesity, including information about diet and exercise. Results showed that 10 years after surgery, people had a 32% lower risk of developing 15 common cancers, and a 48% decreased risk of dying from cancer, compared to those who had not had the weight-loss operation. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] “What we’ve observed here is a very large effect,” says Dr. Steven Nissen, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic and the senior author of the paper. “I think this data is as strong as is going to be available for quite some time to support yet another reason why weight loss is a really important public-health intervention.” Dr. Ali Aminian, director of the bariatric and metabolic institute at Cleveland Clinic and the study’s first author, says that in order for people with obesity to lower their risk of develo...
Source: TIME: Health - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Cancer healthscienceclimate Source Type: news