The 'remarkable' link between Mounjaro and pancreatic cancer revealed: It kills three-quarters of patients within a year and cases are rising... but now landmark study shows impact of fat jabs against disease7 Jun 2026 08:23
It is one of the most brutal cancers, killing around three-quarters of those diagnosed within a year. And, perhaps even more worryingly, it is on the rise.
Pancreatic cancer has become steadily more common over the past 30 years, with cases increasing fastest among younger patients and women – though the disease, which led to actor Alan Rickman’s death aged 69, still overwhelmingly affects older people.
So there was huge excitement last week when new research suggested a treatment that could reduce the risk of the disease.
The study, unveiled at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (Asco) annual conference in Chicago, found that GLP-1 drugs – including weight-loss jabs Mounjaro and Ozempic – were linked to a roughly 50 per cent lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer over a five-year period.
The researchers analysed the health records of around 90,000 patients in the US, focusing on those with chronic pancreatitis – long-term inflammation of the pancreas – and type 2 diabetes. Both conditions are known to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Experts behind the study said the drugs may have a protective effect because they reduce inflammation and improve metabolism and blood sugar control.
Early laboratory evidence suggests they could slow cancer-related cell processes, although this has yet to be proven in people.
The findings raise the possibility that GLP-1 jabs could one day be offered to those at higher risk of pancreatic cancer – even if they are not overweight.
Pancreatic cancer claimed the life of actor Alan Rickman in 2016 at the age of 69
Dr Rachna Shroff, a gastrointestinal cancers expert at the University of Arizona Cancer Center who was not involved in the study, said: ‘Chronic pancreatitis is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer. So to see such a significant drop in cancer incidence among people using GLP‑1 drugs is remarkable.’
These results are even more surprising given concerns that GLP-1 drugs might trigger pancreatitis – so much so that patient information leaflets list it as a rare potential side-effect.
But recent large-scale analyses have found no clear evidence of a meaningful increase in pancreatitis among users.
The pancreas is a palm-sized, pear-shaped gland that sits behind the stomach and plays a vital role in digestion.
When it becomes inflamed, this can lead to acute pancreatitis – which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea and fever. In most cases, the underlying cause is gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption, although obesity is also a risk factor.
Acute pancreatitis usually settles within days or weeks. But if inflammation persists or keeps returning, it can develop into chronic pancreatitis – a long-term condition known to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
A recent study found that GLP-1 drugs – including weight-loss jabs Mounjaro and Ozempic – were linked to a roughly 50 per cent lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer over a five-ye
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