Researchers have discovered another benefit – other than losing weight – for women who have their stomachs stapled. In an study of more than 2,000 overweight women, a Swedish research group learned that women who undergo the procedure also cut their cancer risk by an astonishing 40 percent. The bizarre thing, however, is that the surgery does not have the same effect on men. In fact, there was virtually no difference in cancer rates between men who had the surgery and those who did not, according to the research, published online Wednesday in the medical journal, Lancet Oncology. Previously, research has shown that stomach stapling surgery can prolong the lives of men and women by up to 10 years compared to those who don’t have it. Two other studies have suggested women in particular benefit from a lower cancer risk after getting the weight loss operation. The common belief has been that fat cells produce hormones that might lead to the disease. However, experts have yet to prove a link between weight loss a reduction in cancer risk. “This is one more piece of evidence in a complex puzzle,” said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld of the American Cancer Society, who was not linked to the Lancet Oncology study. “There seems to be a relationship between weight and cancer, but there is a missing link we don’t understand.”

TAGS: Cancer in women, Lancet, stomach staples

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