As researchers continue studying GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro in a range of conditions beyond their approved uses, a growing body of evidence is pointing toward a meaningful role in cancer prevention and outcomes — with some of the most significant findings emerging just weeks ago.
Here is what the latest research shows.
1. GLP-1s are linked to improved survival in colorectal cancer. A January study found that over a 10-year period, GLP-1 drugs were associated with about 5.6 fewer deaths per 100 patients with colorectal cancer and obesity compared to those who did not take a GLP-1, based on data presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology’s Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium.
2. Breast cancer survival and recurrence outcomes are also promising. A May 11 study, published in JAMA Network Open, linked GLP-1 use to significantly lower all-cause mortality and recurrence risk among breast cancer patients with obesity or Type 2 diabetes over a 10-year follow-up.
3. Penn Medicine found a 30% lower breast cancer incidence. A retrospective analysis of more than 110,000 women presented at ASCO’s 2026 annual meeting found those who took GLP-1 medications were about 30% less likely to develop breast cancer. Penn is now working to establish a multisite clinical trial among high-risk patients.
4. Cleveland Clinic data links GLP-1s to reduced cancer progression. A study of 10,225 patients with stage 1 to 3 cancers — including breast, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, liver and non-small cell lung — found GLP-1 use was associated with reduced disease progression to stage 4, also presented at ASCO 2026.
5. Mayo Clinic found lower mortality and metastasis rates in endometrial cancer. A Mayo Clinic Florida study found GLP-1 use among patients with endometrial cancer and comorbid obesity was associated with lower rates of overall mortality, sepsis, and peritoneal, lymph node and visceral metastases.
6. A combination approach may further cut endometrial cancer risk. A February 2026 study found that patients with endometrial hyperplasia or benign uterine pathology had a 66% reduced risk of developing endometrial cancer when treated with progestins and a GLP-1, compared to progestins alone — and roughly a 70% reduction compared to metformin plus progestins.
All findings to date are observational, and researchers across studies have called for randomized controlled trials before GLP-1s can be formally positioned as cancer prevention or treatment tools.
At the Becker's Perioperative Summit, taking place September 14–15 in Chicago, perioperative leaders and healthcare executives will focus on improving operating room efficiency, enhancing patient safety, optimizing staffing and driving innovation across surgical services. Apply for complimentary registration now.
