GLP-1 Agonists May Reduce Cancer Risk
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 products have been heralded as a class of wonderdrugs, offering a host of health benefits and alleviating – or curing – conditions like diabetes. There’s a growing body of research showing that GLP-1 users have a lower overall cancer risk, but there are some trouble spots. Learn more about the long-term health effects of GLP-1 drugs, the cancer risk of Ozempic and Wegovy, and why more research is needed.
GLP-1 drugs are a class of medications that include name-brand products like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Trulicity. These drugs mimic a human hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which increases insulin secretion. Insulin lowers glucagon levels, which, over time, achieves four immediate and long-term outcomes:
Slows digestion
Reduces appetite
Controls blood sugar
Promotes weight loss
Most products are specifically designed to treat Type 2 diabetes by managing blood sugar levels, with other variants, such as Wegovy, formulated to support weight loss or those with weight-related conditions, including high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs
While the severity varies by drug and across individuals, GLP-1 medications have several well-known side effects, including:
Nausea
Vomitting
Diarrhea
Constipation
For most individuals, symptoms ease with continued use, though many are exacerbated by fatty, oily foods or high sugar intake.
GLP-1 and Cancer Prevention: What Does the Research Say?
Known collectively as GLP-1 agonists, these medications have undergone considerable research and are generally believed to reduce the overall risk of cancer. In 2025, researchers found a 17% lower risk of cancer for individuals taking GLP-1s compared to non-users. The risk reduction was more pronounced in several weight-related types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. Endometrial, ovarian, and meningioma cancer rates were also lower in patients treated with GLP-1.
Improved Patient Outcomes
Studies also indicate that GLP-1 drugs may reduce cancer mortality rates for patients with certain cancer types. This is believed to be the result of GLP-1’s anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects; however, further research is needed. Some experts believe the improved patient outcomes may be equally attributed to healthier body weights and other lifestyle factors.
Can GLP-1 Drugs Cause Cancer?
There is some evidence that Ozempic and Wegovy can cause cancer, but the studies are observational and minor. There may be some association between increased risk of kidney (renal) cancer, but the data isn’t conclusive.
Wegovy, Ozempic Thyroid Cancer Risk
The FDA does note that GLP-1 drugs may have an “excess risk for thyroid cancer” and requires a warning to this effect on all medications. The research is based on rodent studies and largely applies to individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or related health issues. Overall, studies have yielded mixed results, with some showing no significant risk. Researchers believe improved detection methods for thyroid cancer may have inflated the positive findings in some studies.
The Final Verdict: Inconclusive That Wegovy and Ozempic Cause Cancer
But more research is needed. The net benefits of a healthier body weight, lower cholesterol levels, improved diabetes management, and an overall enhanced quality of life make these products an exciting prospect for many individuals. Of course, the costs of these products make them inaccessible for many Americans, which is why access to healthcare, healthy nutrition, and cancer prevention education remains critical.
Committed to Prevention
Less Cancer is committed to making prevention a public health priority. Through professional programming, education, and advocacy, our grassroots team is driving real change on behalf of at-risk communities and the general public. You can help by donating to the cause and being an advocate for cancer prevention in your community.
