Our Summary
This research paper aims to identify the types and frequency of cancers in obese patients who are at risk for cancer and are being evaluated before undergoing weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery). The study looked at past patient records and focused on those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more.
Out of the total patients studied, around 65% of them had bariatric surgery for obesity and about 35% had metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes. The study found that thyroid cancer was present in about 0.86% of patients, colon cancer in 0.38%, breast cancer in 0.47%, stomach cancer in 0.23%, kidney cancer in 0.14%, lung cancer in 0.09%, pancreatic cancer in 0.09%, adrenal cancer in 0.09%, and a neuroendocrine tumor in 0.04%.
In layman’s terms, the study found a link between obesity and certain types of cancer. The researchers concluded that weight loss achieved through obesity surgery can help reduce the risk of these obesity-related cancers.
FAQs
- What types of cancers are most commonly found in obese patients awaiting weight loss surgery?
- How does weight loss through obesity surgery help reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers?
- What percentage of patients in the study had undergone bariatric surgery for obesity or metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes?
Doctor’s Tip
Therefore, a helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is that it not only helps with weight loss but can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. It is important for patients to understand the potential health benefits of undergoing obesity surgery, in addition to the weight loss aspect. The doctor may advise the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-surgery to further reduce their risk of developing cancer in the future. Regular check-ups and screenings may also be recommended to monitor for any signs of cancer.
Suitable For
Overall, patients who are recommended for obesity surgery are typically those who have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, and are at a high risk for obesity-related health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
It is important for patients considering obesity surgery to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including a bariatric surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other specialists, to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure. Patients with a history of certain types of cancer may also be recommended for obesity surgery to help reduce their risk of cancer recurrence or progression.
Overall, obesity surgery is recommended for patients who are severely obese and have not been able to lose weight through other methods. The procedure can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of obesity-related health complications, including certain types of cancer.
Timeline
Before undergoing obesity surgery, a patient typically goes through a series of evaluations and consultations with a healthcare team, including a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other specialists. They may also undergo various medical tests and screenings to assess their overall health and determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
After obesity surgery, the patient will typically experience significant weight loss over time, leading to improvements in their overall health and quality of life. They will need to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen to maintain their weight loss and prevent complications. Regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team will be necessary to monitor their progress and address any issues that may arise.
Overall, the goal of obesity surgery is to help patients achieve and maintain a healthier weight, reduce their risk of obesity-related health problems, and improve their overall well-being. By addressing obesity, patients may also reduce their risk of certain types of cancer, as demonstrated in the findings of this study.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions that a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery in relation to cancer risk include:
- What types of cancer are obese patients at a higher risk for?
- How does obesity surgery help reduce the risk of cancer?
- Are there specific types of obesity surgery that are more effective in reducing the risk of cancer?
- How soon after obesity surgery can I expect to see a decrease in my cancer risk?
- Will I need to undergo additional screenings or follow-up care for cancer after obesity surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary recommendations that can further reduce my cancer risk post-surgery?
- What are the potential side effects or complications of obesity surgery that could impact my cancer risk?
- Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms of cancer that I should be aware of after undergoing obesity surgery?
- How often should I schedule follow-up appointments with my doctor to monitor my cancer risk post-surgery?
- Are there any additional resources or support groups available for obese patients who have undergone surgery and are at risk for cancer?
Reference
Authors: Güzel K, Ocak ÖK, Ergenc H, Ergenc Z, Gökosmanoğlu F. Journal: Obes Surg. 2021 Dec;31(12):5391-5395. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05747-6. Epub 2021 Oct 21. PMID: 34674140