GLP-1 Drugs Cut Uterine Cancer Risk by 66%

A drug already helping millions with diabetes and weight loss might also protect women from the most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries.

Researchers studying over 440,000 women discovered something remarkable. Those who combined GLP-1 medications like Ozempic with standard hormone therapy had a 66% lower risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to women using hormones alone.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, address a crucial gap in women's health. Doctors routinely prescribe hormone therapy called progestin to treat pre-cancerous uterine thickening or heavy bleeding. While these hormones work, they don't tackle the underlying metabolic problems that can fuel cancer growth.

That's where GLP-1 drugs come in. These medications address high blood sugar and insulin resistance, the same metabolic issues that drive cancer development.

The research team analyzed millions of medical records through a global database. They focused on women with non-cancerous uterine issues who were prescribed progestins, then compared outcomes based on what other medications they took.

The numbers tell a powerful story. Adding a GLP-1 drug to hormone therapy worked even better than metformin, a common diabetes medication often used for metabolic health. When women took all three medications together, their cancer risk dropped 63% compared to metformin and hormones alone.

The Bright Side

Beyond preventing cancer, this combination therapy could help women avoid major surgery. Many undergo hysterectomies to prevent cancer from developing, a life-changing procedure that ends their ability to have children.

The study revealed that after two years, women taking GLP-1 drugs with hormones had a 53% lower risk of needing a hysterectomy. Five years later, they were still 41% less likely to require surgery than those on hormones alone.

For women facing difficult decisions about their reproductive health, this combination approach offers a potential path forward that preserves their options while protecting against cancer.

The researchers emphasize that because they analyzed existing medical records rather than conducting controlled trials, these findings need confirmation through prospective studies. But the signal is strong enough to give hope to countless women navigating uterine health challenges.

Millions already take these medications for other conditions, which means this protective benefit could be happening right now for women who didn't even know they were getting extra cancer protection.