Ozempic may lower colorectal cancer risk in younger people

Two observational studies presented at ASCO 2026 reported that GLP‑1 drugs (including Ozempic and Wegovy) were associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared with aspirin and with lower 10‑year mortality for people already diagnosed; the studies are observational and further clinical trials were recommended.

Two observational studies from the University of Texas San Antonio were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's 2026 symposium. Researchers examined large medical record datasets to compare outcomes for people taking GLP‑1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) with those taking aspirin, and to compare colorectal cancer patients who did and did not take GLP‑1 drugs. Colorectal cancer incidence has been rising among younger adults, and use of GLP‑1 drugs has grown in recent years. Because these analyses are observational, the authors said randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm whether the associations reflect causal effects. Key findings: - In a cohort of more than 280,000 people at risk for colorectal cancer, GLP‑1 users were about 26% less likely to develop colorectal cancer than people taking aspirin; the overall absolute risk was low in both groups. - In an analysis of over 10,000 patients with colorectal cancer, those taking a GLP‑1 drug had a 53% lower risk of death over a 10‑year period compared with matched non‑users. - Compared with aspirin users, people on GLP‑1 drugs had lower reported rates of certain serious bleeding and kidney complications; GLP‑1 drugs are also reported to cause side effects such as nausea and, rarely, severe gastrointestinal complications. - Investigators noted possible mechanisms including reduced inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity and weight loss, and the studies did not show a reduction in cancer spread to other organs. Summary: The studies report associations between GLP‑1 receptor agonists and lower colorectal cancer incidence (versus aspirin) and reduced long‑term mortality in people with colorectal cancer. These are observational findings and the researchers called for randomized clinical trials to determine whether the drugs have a causal protective effect; further research plans are not yet determined at this time.