Francisco Esteva: Bariatric surgery could lower breast cancer risk in women battling obesity

Francisco Esteva, Chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital, shared on LinkedIn:

“Are you aware that bariatric surgery might do more than reduce weight? Recent findings indicate it could also lower breast cancer risk in women battling obesity. Here’s a summary from an intriguing study led investigators at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden:

• Impact: Bariatric surgery linked to a 33% decrease in breast cancer risk compared to usual care, even after adjustments for age, BMI, alcohol, and smoking habits.
• Focus on Menopausal Status: The benefit was notably stronger in premenopausal women, compared to their postmenopausal counterparts.
• Insulin Levels: Women with higher insulin levels experienced a more pronounced reduction in breast cancer risk, highlighting insulin as a potential indicator of treatment efficacy.

This study involved 2,867 women over a nearly 24-year follow-up, providing compelling insights into the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery beyond weight loss.

The non-randomized trial points to a promising direction for preventive strategies in oncology, especially among women predisposed to both obesity and breast cancer due to high insulin levels.

Reference: Kristensson, et al. Breast Cancer Risk After Bariatric Surgery and Influence of Insulin Levels: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Surg. 2024.”

Source: Francisco Esteva/LinkedIn