GLP-1 drugs may reduce breast cancer risk

GLP-1 drugs, which are widely used to treat diabetes and weight loss, may be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania. The results were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Scientists analyzed the medical data of 111,646 women aged 45 to 80 years old who were overweight or obese. Of these, more than 15 thousand received GLP-1 drugs, and the rest did not use such drugs. The researchers then compared the incidence of new breast cancer cases in both groups.

It turned out that women who took GLP-1 drugs were about 30 percent less likely to develop breast cancer. This result was confirmed both in the general sample and after additional selection of groups taking into account age, body weight, diabetes and other factors that could influence the result.

The authors emphasize that the study only revealed a statistical association and does not yet prove that the drugs directly protect against cancer. However, the scientists note that GLP-1 drugs help with weight loss and reduce chronic inflammation, two factors that have long been linked to breast cancer risk.