Reuters Health: Weight-loss surgery tied to lowered risk of colorectal cancer
Finding supports what UC researcher has been saying about bariatric surgery
Obese people who have weight-loss surgery may also lower their risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to a report from Reuters Health. Obesity has long been linked to increased risk of colorectal tumors and other types of cancer, as well as a greater risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Losing weight is thought to reduce these risks.
Reuters Health cited a study from Kuwaiti researcher, Dr. Sulaiman Almazeedi, and interviewed Dr. Daniel Schauer, an assistant professor in the University of Cincinnati Department of Internal Medicine, for a story. Schauer, also a UC Health physician, did not take part in the study, but offered his comments.
The study examined data from seven previous studies that followed more than 1.2 million patients for about seven years, on average. Colorectal cancer was rare: just 638 people developed these tumors during the study.
When people lose weight after bariatric surgery, many changes happen that impact cancer risk, explained Schauer, who was not part of the study.
“Perhaps most importantly for colorectal cancer risk, the body has less inflammation and many of the (tumor) growth factors associated with obesity are decreased,” Schauer told Reuters Health. “These are strongly related to the amount of weight loss.”
Read the Reuters Health story online.
Also check out Dr. Schauer’s research on bariatric surgery and colorectal cancer.
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.
Blood Cancer Healing Center a national model for collaborative design and construction
October 27, 2025
Representatives from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, UC Health, Champlin | EOP and Skanska shared lessons learned and best practices for designing and constructing comprehensive health care facilities following the opening of the Cancer Center’s Blood Cancer Healing Center.