Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, widely recognized for their effectiveness in treating diabetes and obesity, may also play a role in cancer prevention and survival, according to Dr. Loren Rourke, a breast cancer surgeon. Emerging research indicates a potential association between the use of these drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, and a reduced risk of cancer recurrence.

Findings presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago suggested a link between GLP-1 use and lower breast cancer recurrence rates, as well as a potential role in disease prevention. However, Rourke cautioned that the current evidence is observational and cannot definitively prove that these medications directly reduce cancer risk.

"So these aren’t studies that, unfortunately, patients can latch onto, call their doctor and say, ‘I want to get on a GLP-1 right now to reduce my risk of breast cancer or make my breast cancer better,’" Rourke told Fox News Digital. "However, what it did do was shine the light on GLP-1s and that relationship."

Potential Mechanisms

The primary hypothesis for GLP-1 medications aiding in cancer prevention centers on their ability to promote weight loss and decrease chronic inflammation, Rourke explained. The drugs lead to a reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI), and lower BMI is known to correlate with a better prognosis for breast cancer.

"So if the secondary effect of taking a GLP-1 means you’re going to lose weight, then that’s a benefit, because we know you’re going to do better with breast cancer," she said.

Furthermore, GLP-1 medications can help lower estrogen production, which is often elevated in individuals with excess body fat. "The more fat you have, the higher your estrogen production," Rourke noted. "You’re kind of bathing your body in estrogen, so to speak. So it intuitively makes sense that we are seeing this correlation or association."

GLP-1s also appear to decrease the inflammatory state within the body, an environment where cancer cells can thrive. "So if it’s fixing the overall chronic inflammation of the body, that’s going to help for a lot of reasons," she added.

Further Research Needed

Rourke emphasized that direct causal links between GLP-1 medications and their effect on cancer cells have not yet been scientifically proven. "But this study has now garnered enough attention, interest and scientific hypotheses that the work is getting started for the randomized controlled trials that we’re all waiting for—and then we can act upon those."

For patients considering GLP-1 medications, Rourke advised consultation with a healthcare professional. "My bottom-line message on this one is, if you have an elevated BMI, you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve tried a healthy diet, you’ve tried to exercise, and you’re not winning that fight, consider GLP-1s, and you’re going to get a secondary benefit."

She particularly noted the potential added benefit for post-menopausal women struggling with weight gain, urging them to discuss their options with their doctor.