ASCO

ASCO GI 2026: GLP-1 use linked to 36 % lower colorectal cancer risk in real-world analysis

January 15, 2026

A real‑world study presented at the ASCO GI Cancers Symposium (January 8–10, 2026) compared GLP‑1 receptor agonists with aspirin for primary colorectal cancer prevention among 281,656 high‑risk individuals from the TriNetX database. Over a median follow‑up of ~6 years for GLP‑1 users and ~5 years for aspirin users, GLP‑1 therapy was associated with a 36% reduction in colorectal cancer incidence (0.13% vs. 0.176%; adjusted risk ratio, ~0.74). Risk reduction was even greater (~42% lower) in the high‑risk subgroup and was consistent regardless of age, BMI, diabetes status, or metabolic comorbidities. Notably, semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide yielded significant risk reductions. Adverse events favored GLP‑1s with fewer major complications like GI bleeding and renal injury, though diarrhea and abdominal pain were more frequent. These findings support further prospective validation.

Source:

(2026, January 5). ASCO. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1s) May Help Reduce the Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer [News release]. https://www.asco.org/about-asco/press-center/news-releases/glp-1-receptor-agonists-may-help-reduce-risk-developing-colorectal-cancer