In people with diabetes and obesity, bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
- Bariatric surgery is a viable way to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Rates of diabetes, obesity and pancreatic cancer are all on the rise around the world.
A new 20-year analysis shows that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of developing pancreatic cancer in people with diabetes and obesity.
The researchers analyzed 1,435,350 patients with diabetes and obesity simultaneously over a 20-year period. A total of 10,620 participants, mostly women, underwent bariatric surgery, an operation that helps patients lose weight by modifying the digestive system.
Chronic inflammation
The research found that patients with diabetes and obesity were significantly less likely to develop pancreatic cancer if they had bariatric surgery (prevalence of 0.32% versus 0.19%).
Dr. Aslam Syed, director of the study, provides details: “obesity and diabetes are well-known causes of pancreatic cancer, through chronic inflammation, excess hormones and growth factors released from body fat. Previously, it had already Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve high blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Today, our research shows that bariatric surgery is a viable way to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer in this growing population.”
Rates of diabetes, obesity and pancreatic cancer are all on the rise around the world. With regard to pancreatic cancer, the number of European cases increased by 5% between 1990 and 2016, one of the largest increases for this type of pathology. In total, it is estimated that 46,200 people will die from this disease in Europe in 2020, compared to 42,200 deaths recorded in 2015. Moreover, more than half (52%) of adults are overweight in Europe, with increasing rates also affecting the children.
The use of bariatric surgery is increasing
Dr Syed explains how crucial prevention of pancreatic cancer is, as survival rates for the disease have not improved for four decades. “The average survival time at diagnosis is particularly grim for this silent killer, at just 4.6 months. Only 3% of patients survive for more than five years,” insists the health professional. “Clinicians should consider bariatric surgery in patients with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity,” concludes the specialist.
The rate of recourse to bariatric surgery was multiplied by 2.6 in France between 2008 and 2014. In 2014, 45,474 patients, including 65.6% suffering from morbid obesity, benefited from bariatric surgery, with a Predominance of operated women, at a younger age than men. Bariatric surgery includes three major operations: gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding.
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