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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been linked to excess risk for some cancers (e.g., the U.S. FDA labels for these drugs note possible excess risk for thyroid cancer). However, weight loss with these drugs also could lower risk for obesity-related cancers.* Three large observational studies provide more data.
In a U.S. study of patients with obesity, overall incidence of obesity-related cancer was lower in patients who received GLP-1 agonists than in those who didn't (14 vs. 16 cancers per 1000 person-years). Risk was lower for endometrial and ovarian cancers and meningiomas, but kidney cancer was more common in GLP-1 recipients.
In a 15-year U.S. study of older patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity-related cancer incide…