According to a recently published study in JAMA Surgery, bariatric surgery reduces the risk of multiple cancers including breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. However, the evidence is not as clear with colorectal cancer. While some studies in the past have shown that it decreases risk, this study shows that it may actually do the opposite.

Bottom line:

Bariatric or weight loss surgery decreases the risk of and sometimes is an effective treatment metabolic diseases such as high blood pressure, fatty liver, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces the risk of multiple cancers. However, the jury is still out on colon cancer. Obtaining more frequent colon cancer screenings after bariatric surgery is the best way to mitigate any potential increased risk.