Could drugs like Mounjaro reduce the risk of developing cancer?

Simon Edward • 29 January 2025

Several studies have found evidence that GLP-1 drugs may reduce cancer risks. Let's dive into the data.



Several studies have found evidence that GLP-1 drugs may reduce cancer risks. Let's dive into the data.

You may have heard concerns about GLP-1 weight loss injections increasing the risk of thyroid cancer.


There's mounting evidence to suggest this isn't the case. Concerns were raised at an early stage based on rodent studies.


However, research from 2024 and 2025 has found little to suggest a link between GLP-1 drugs and thyroid cancer in humans.

And an even wider body of evidence points to potential health benefits beyond weight loss.


For instance, several studies have indicated that GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may reduce the risk of developing certain cancers.


Let's look at these studies in more detail.


GLP-1 drugs may reduce the risk of 10 obesity-related cancers in patients with diabetes


It's well established that obesity increases the risk of certain types of cancer. We also know that losing weight can reduce this risk.


GLP-1 drugs can help people with obesity lose weight – but it's unclear whether they have any link to these obesity-associated cancers (OACs).


One 2024 study set out to provide some clarity. The researchers looked at more than 1.6 million patients with type 2 diabetes. Their aim: to find out whether taking GLP-1 drugs had any impact on the risk of developing OACs.


The researchers found a 'significant risk reduction' in 10 OACs in patients taking GLP-1s, compared to patients taking only insulin. These OACs include colorectal, endometrial, gallbladder, kidney, liver, oesophageal, ovarian and pancreatic cancer.

Picture of researcher working in medical lab.

GLP-1s may reduce OAC risk more than bariatric surgery


Another 2024 study compared the incidence of OACs in three patient groups:

  • Those taking GLP-1 drugs
  • Those who had bariatric surgery
  • Those who underwent no treatment


Researchers found that both bariatric surgery patients and GLP-1 drug users saw a reduced risk of developing OACs compared to those who underwent no treatment. However, the risk reduction was higher in the GLP-1 group – 39% versus 22%.


GLP-1s may prevent certain cancers from growing


At least two studies have found evidence to suggest that GLP-1 drugs may help prevent cancerous tumours from growing.


The first, from 2014, found that liraglutide (Saxenda) "inhibited growth and promoted apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cell lines". In other words, when exposed to liraglutide, the cancer cells stopped growing and died.


The second study, published in 2021, saw similar results with breast cancer cells. The researchers found that liraglutide exposure caused the cells to stop growing and spreading.


These results are promising – but they didn't involve human participants. Further studies are needed before we know whether the results can be replicated in real-life cancer patients.


SemaPen provides medical alternatives to gastric surgery. Why not learn more about our clinically proven weight loss treatment programmes?


Sources


1. Pasternak, B. et al. (2024) "Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use and risk of thyroid cancer: Scandinavian cohort study" The BMJ, 385 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-078225


2. Baxter, S.M. et al. (2025) "Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Thyroid Cancer: An International Multisite Cohort Study" Thyroid, 35(1) https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2024.0387


3. Wang, L. et al. (2024) "Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and 13 Obesity-Associated Cancers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes" JAMA Network Open, 7(7) https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21305


4. Lin, C. et al. (2024) "Comparative risk of obesity-related cancer with glucagon-like protein-1 receptor agonists vs. bariatric surgery in patients with BMI ≥ 35" Journal of Clinical Oncology, 42 (suppl 16; abstr 10508) https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.16_suppl.10508


5. Zhao, H. et al. (2014) "Activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor inhibits growth and promotes apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer cells in a cAMP-dependent manner" American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 306(12)

https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00017.2014


6. Chequin, A. et al. (2021) "Antitumoral activity of liraglutide, a new DNMT inhibitor in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo" Chemico-Biological Interactions, 349 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109641


 Ready to try Wegovy? Get the key facts so you know what to do at each step of your weight loss
by Simon Edward 21 April 2025
Ready to try Wegovy? Get the key facts so you know what to do at each step of your weight loss journey.
Learn what to do if Mounjaro's not working for you. Here are 6 expert tips from the SemaPen team.
by Simon Edward 18 April 2025
Learn what to do if Mounjaro's not working for you. Here are 6 expert tips from the SemaPen team.
Can semaglutide help patients control their blood pressure? Join us as we look at the latest
by Simon Edward 16 April 2025
Can semaglutide help patients control their blood pressure? Join us as we look at the latest evidence.
New evidence suggests GLP-1 weight loss drugs may cut dementia risk. Get the full story
by Simon Edward 14 April 2025
New evidence suggests GLP-1 weight loss drugs may cut dementia risk. Get the full story in our explainer.
You may have heard about 'Ozempic face' or 'Wegovy face'. But is it real? Get the facts in our guide
by Simon Edward 11 April 2025
You may have heard about 'Ozempic face' or 'Wegovy face'. But is it real? Get the facts in our guide.
Obesity is on the rise. But what's causing this global crisis? Join us as we explore the real causes
by Simon Edward 9 April 2025
Obesity is on the rise. But what's causing this global crisis? Join us as we explore the real causes of obesity.
Microdosing Ozempic is sparking buzz online – but is it safe or supported by research?
by Simon Edward 7 April 2025
Microdosing Ozempic is sparking buzz online – but is it safe or supported by research? Get the straight facts.
Are you experiencing 'Mounjaro fatigue'? Learn why tirzepatide can cause tiredness and what to do
by Simon Edward 4 April 2025
Are you experiencing 'Mounjaro fatigue'? Learn why tirzepatide can cause tiredness and what to do about it.
Should you stop taking weight loss drugs before bariatric surgery? Get the latest advice
by Simon Edward 31 March 2025
Should you stop taking weight loss drugs before bariatric surgery? Get the latest advice from our experts.
by Simon Edward 28 March 2025
A gene found in dogs is helping to explain the genetic causes of obesity in humans. Let's take a closer look. 
More posts