Bariatric surgery and weight loss can have a huge impact on your health and wellbeing. Leading an active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can help you look and feel better, but did you know it can also reduce your risk of cancer?
A recent study at the University of Cincinnati shows that having weight loss surgery can lead to a lower risk of cancer, especially those that may be triggered by obesity. Women in particular had lower rates of cancer in their bone marrow, breasts, kidneys, colon, rectum, pancreas, and ovaries after their surgery.
How Obesity Can Increase the Risk of Cancer
A high body mass index (BMI) is known to increase your risk for certain cancers. There are different ways that obesity can lead to cancer, including:
- Chronic inflammation. Inflammation can cause DNA damage over time that can lead to cancerous growth.
- Higher rates of estrogen and adipokines. Fat cells produce excess amounts of estrogen, which can cause breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancers. Adipokines are hormones that can stimulate or inhibit cell growth and increase your risk for developing cancerous cells.
- Hyperinsulinemia. Higher rates of insulin in the blood, often associated with obesity, can lead to increased risk for kidney, colon, prostate, and endometrial cancers.
- Altered immune system. Immune responses and antioxidant levels are altered in overweight individuals, which means that the body may not be able to fight the development of cancer.
There are many other factors that contribute to cancerous growth, including many environmental factors or lifestyle choices.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Your weight loss journey is unique to you, and there are many different options for bariatric surgery. Common options for bariatric surgery include:
- Gastric Bypass Surgery, which involves making the stomach smaller and rerouting the small intestine. It is one of the most popular forms of weight loss surgery.
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy, involves decreasing the size of the stomach. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically and typically involves less risk than other surgeries.
- LAP-BAND is a silicone band that alters the size of the stomach to reduce the amount of food needed to feel full. LAP-BAND can also be performed laparoscopically.
There are many different forms of weight loss surgery, and our skilled Los Angeles doctors will help you determine which type of weight loss surgery is right for you.
Reasons to Have Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery can improve your health and quality of life dramatically. The University of Cincinnati study found that weight loss surgery can reduce your risk of some cancers up to 50%. Losing weight can help you reduce inflammation, regulate hormone production, and keep your immune system strong.
Weight loss is also linked to lower rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. You can also get better sleep and feel more energetic throughout the day.
Weight loss can help you look and feel great. Increased mobility and self-confidence can benefit your professional life and relationships. The benefits of your surgery will likely extend far beyond your waistline.