You’ve probably heard about many of the health benefits of gastric bypass surgery, like how it can improve blood pressure, possibly cure diabetes, and lower the risk of dying early. Now there may be another bonus that comes with the weight loss procedure – two new reports say it may help prevent cancer.
The first study, from Brazil, finds the procedure may help protect against cancer and infections. How? Researchers say the surgery can improve the patient’s immune system, making it better at fighting off both.
The second study is from Montreal. It shows severely obese patients who had bariatric surgery had an 85 percent drop in breast cancer and a 70 percent decrease in colon cancer compared with people who didn’t have the procedure.
Gastric bypass surgery permanently reduces the size of the stomach and bypasses part of the intestines, restricting food intake and food absorption. Of course, this is a major procedure and the decision to have it should not be taken lightly. But for some people, the benefits may outweigh the risks.
The National Cancer Institute says cancers linked to obesity include colon, breast, endometrial, kidney and esophageal.
The study from Brazil was presented at The Endocrine Society’s 90th Annual Meeting in San Francisco. The one from Montreal was presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s annual meeting in Washington, DC.
Photo Credit: stock.xchng
