GLP-1 medications carry a boxed warning about the potential increased risk of thyroid cancer in some people. However, current clinical evidence also points to significant GLP-1 cancer benefits.

In fact, major studies have linked GLP-1 usage to a 17% drop in overall cancer risk.

Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the current research on how GLP-1 usage may affect cancer risk factors.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have shown protective benefits against some obesity-associated cancers.

A 2025 meta-analysis and a retrospective study found that GLP-1 treatment reduced the risk of developing the following types of cancer:

  • Uterine and endometrial cancer: up to a 76% lower risk
  • Ovarian cancer: approximately a 47% lower risk
  • Meningioma (a type of brain tumor): around a 31% lower risk

How do GLP-1s reduce the risk of cancer?

The connection between GLP-1 inflammation and cancer comes down to weight loss. Losing excess weight improves your body’s response to insulin and lowers chronic inflammation.

In turn, this helps reduce the risk of developing obesity-related cancers.

» Learn more: 10% of All Cancers Linked to Overweight and Obesity

While GLP-1s may reduce the overall risk of developing cancer, there are a few specific risks that are important to discuss with your doctor.

All GLP-1s carry a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors. This risk was seen in animal studies, but animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. 

Still, due to the risk, doctors won’t prescribe GLP-1s if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Doctors monitor for acute pancreatitis with GLP-1 medications. But an overview of studies found no link between GLP-1s and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

» QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About GLP-1 Medications?

Some short-term studies saw a slight increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses. 

However, researchers believe this may be due to “early detection.”

The common digestive side effects of GLP-1s, like nausea or constipation, often prompt people to seek medical advice. In turn, doctors have an opportunity to detect existing tumors earlier.

» Read next: Colon Cancer Prevention: 6 Tips for Reducing Your Risk

Always have an open conversation with your prescriber about your personal and family medical history before starting a GLP-1. This includes GLP-1 medications such as:

For more information and resources, take a look at the following articles:

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