GLP-1 Drugs May Cut Breast Cancer Risk by 30%, Study Finds

A new study presented at the 2026 ASCO annual meeting suggests GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 30%.

The analysis, involving more than 110,000 women aged 45 to 80, found the protective effect was independent of age, race, BMI, breast density, and diabetes status.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine note these drugs mimic natural gut hormones, reducing appetite and inflammation - a key factor in cancer development. While the study was observational, it adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 agonists could be repurposed as cancer prevention tools.

The authors caution the findings may not apply to women with normal weight. They call for a randomized trial evaluating a "trifecta of prevention" targeting cancer, heart disease, and menopausal symptoms.