Ozempic Linked to One-Third Lower Breast Cancer Risk, Study Finds

GLP-1 Drugs and Breast Cancer Risk: What New Research Reveals

According to НВ — Техно: A study conducted by researchers at Penn Medicine suggests that GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, may reduce the risk of breast cancer in overweight women. The analysis drew on data from 111,646 women aged 45 to 80 with a body mass index of 25 or higher, collected between January 2022 and June 2025. Among those taking GLP-1 drugs, the likelihood of developing breast cancer was 35.1% lower in the overall group and 30.5% lower in a matched group that accounted for age, race, ethnicity, body mass index, breast tissue density, and diabetes status.

The researchers examined electronic medical records of 15,264 women who had been prescribed GLP-1 medications and 96,382 patients who had not taken these drugs. GLP-1 drugs-which include Ozempic, Wegovy (both based on semaglutide), Mounjaro, and Zepbound (both based on tirzepatide)-mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. Excess weight, particularly after menopause, is considered a known risk factor for breast cancer.

These findings are especially relevant given that obesity rates remain high in many English-speaking countries, and breast cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers among women.

Researchers Weigh In

Study author Dr. Elizabeth McDonald, a professor of radiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that 'this work does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between taking these drugs and a reduced risk of the disease.'

She also emphasized that 'the results add to a growing body of evidence supporting further investigation of these medications as a possible cancer prevention tool.' The primary goal of the research team is to find more effective ways to prevent breast cancer, as survival rates for the disease have improved over recent decades, and scientists now aim to achieve similar progress in prevention.

Currently, the researchers are working to launch a multicenter clinical trial, but they caution that the earlier analysis had limitations. Different drugs were not analyzed separately, and factors such as treatment duration, genetic risk, cancer stage, or tumor type were not considered. This highlights the need for further studies to more thoroughly examine the impact of GLP-1 drugs on breast cancer risk.

The results of this study could significantly influence future approaches to breast cancer prevention, particularly among overweight women. If subsequent research confirms these findings, GLP-1 medications might become an important tool in the fight against the disease, potentially easing the burden on healthcare systems. However, conclusive answers will require additional clinical trials capable of more precisely analyzing how these drugs affect cancer risk.

As the research into GLP-1 medications continues to evolve, there's growing interest in how these drugs might impact overall health beyond just weight management. For instance, a recent study explores whether the Galaxy Watch 8 can assist GLP-1 users in maintaining muscle mass, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of these treatments for patients. Understanding the full range of effects could be crucial for those considering GLP-1 therapies.