Ozempic (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, is widely searched for its potential link to cancer. While concerns often focus on thyroid, pancreatic, and other cancers, extensive new research helps clarify who may be at risk and what to watch for.

For most people, clinical studies do not show an increased risk of cancer from Ozempic use. However, understanding potential warnings and how they apply to your unique health profile is essential for making informed treatment decisions.

Latest Evidence on Ozempic and Cancer Risk

In laboratory studies, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors, including cancerous ones, in mice and rats. It is unknown if the same effect occurs in humans. Clinical trials have not found evidence of increased cancer risk, though some thyroid cancer cases have been reported in patients taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and liraglutide.

• Large-Scale Studies: Recent cohort studies and comprehensive meta-analyses report no significant increase in the overall risk of cancer among Ozempic users compared to those on other diabetes or weight-loss medications.
• GLP-1 and Cancer: Real-world data show that GLP-1 RAs like Ozempic may lower the risk of several obesity-related cancers, including colorectal, endometrial, and gallbladder cancer, likely due to weight loss and metabolic improvements.
• Population Data: Less than 1% incidence of thyroid cancers in long-term GLP-1 users has been observed in large studies, numbers comparable to the general population.

Ozempic is not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Patients should be aware of potential thyroid tumor symptoms, including:

• A lump in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness

Speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about cancer risk.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is injected weekly to:

• Treat type 2 diabetes in adults
• Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• Reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and death due to heart problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
• Support weight loss (off-label use)

What Does Research Say About Ozempic and Cancer Risk?

Studies on Ozempic’s cancer risk in humans have been mixed, with most not showing an increased risk.

Studies Finding No Increased Cancer Risk

• 2025 meta-analysis of 50 randomized controlled trials found no significant difference in overall cancer risk for GLP-1 RA users versus comparators for diabetes and/or obesity.
• 2024 systematic review: Thyroid cancer incidence in semaglutide users was less than 1%, suggesting no significant risk.
• 2024 cohort study (1.6 million patients): GLP-1 agonists lowered the risk of 10 out of 13 obesity-related cancers compared to insulin.
• 2023 meta-analysis (37 clinical trials, 19 real-world studies): No increased risk of any cancer with semaglutide.
• 2019 meta-analysis (36,000 patients, 1.7 years follow-up): No link between GLP-1 agonists and pancreatic cancer.

Studies Suggesting a Possible Cancer Link

• 2022 study (FDA Adverse Events Reporting System - FAERS): Found an increased reporting rate of some tumors in patients taking GLP-1 agonists with dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors.
• 2023 FAERS study: Found an association between GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and pancreatic cancer.

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Detailed Look: Cancer Types and Ozempic

Thyroid Cancer

The Ozempic black box warning for thyroid cancer is based exclusively on rodent studies, which showed increased risk of a rare type called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

In humans, no conclusive evidence links Ozempic to higher thyroid cancer rates, except possibly those with a strong family history of MTC or a genetic syndrome called MEN2.

Pancreatic Cancer

Early concerns about GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and pancreatic cancer were linked to reports of pancreatitis, but multiple large-scale human studies have not confirmed an increased risk for Ozempic users.

Other Cancer Types

For breast, kidney, lymphoma, and ovarian cancer, current scientific evidence does not indicate an elevated risk associated with Ozempic or GLP-1 use.

Should You Be Concerned About Cancer Risk With Ozempic?

While some studies suggest a potential link to pancreatic cancer, large-scale clinical trials have not confirmed this risk. More research is needed to determine whether GLP-1 agonists increase or decrease cancer risk. Individuals with the rare genetic conditions MEN2 or prior medullary thyroid carcinoma should avoid Ozempic unless specifically counseled. If you have a current or previous cancer diagnosis, consult your healthcare provider to determine if Ozempic is appropriate during or after treatment.

What Symptoms To Watch For?

Stay alert to certain signs that may need prompt evaluation:

• Lump or swelling in the neck
• Trouble swallowing
• Persistent hoarseness
• Unexplained weight loss

If you notice these symptoms while using Ozempic, notify your physician quickly.

Can Ozempic Lower Cancer Risk?

Weight loss and improved metabolic health are well-established factors that can help lower the risk of certain cancers. Several studies now report that GLP-1 therapies like Ozempic may help reduce the incidence of cancers caused by obesity, though the effect may depend on individual health factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ozempic linked to cancer in humans?

Extensive clinical studies and real-world evidence show no significant increase in cancer risk for most users.

Does Ozempic cause pancreatic or thyroid cancer?

No definitive link has been established in humans. Caution is advised for those with rare genetic risks or a history of cancer.

How many people have gotten cancer from Ozempic?

There is no published evidence of widespread increased cancer incidence among Ozempic users.

Can Ozempic be used safely by cancer survivors?

Many survivors can use Ozempic, but treatment should always be coordinated by your care team.

What are the chances of getting thyroid cancer from Ozempic?

For the vast majority, the risk remains at or near background population rates.

Bottom Line

For most people, Ozempic does not increase cancer risk. Staying informed about the latest research and FDA guidance ensures safe, confident use of GLP-1 medications, especially for those seeking weight loss or diabetes management.

This is not all the information you need to know about Ozempic (semaglutide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

1. Cao, M., et. al. 2023. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and the potential risk of pancreatic carcinoma: a pharmacovigilance study using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and literature visualization analysis. In: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-023-01556-2
2. Feier, C. V., et. al. 2024. Assessment of Thyroid Carcinogenic Risk and Safety Profile of GLP1-RA Semaglutide (Ozempic) Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review. In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084346
3. Figlioli, G., et. al. 2024. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacological research, 208, 107401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107401
4. Harris, M., Harvie, M., & Renehan, A. G. (2025). Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists and Cancer Prevention: Methodological Pitfalls in Observational Studies. Cancers, 17(9), 1451. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17091451
5. Nagendra, L., et. al. 2023. Semaglutide and cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. In: Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102834
6. Nauck, M. A., et. al. 2013. Do GLP-1–Based Therapies Increase Cancer Risk? In: Diabetes Care. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2337/dcS13-2004
7. Ozempic [package insert]. Updated November 2024. Novo Nordisk. Accessed 11/16/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79
8. Pasternak, B., et. al. 2024. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use and risk of thyroid cancer: Scandinavian cohort study BMJ 2024; 385 :e078225 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-078225
9. Pelosci, A. 2025. GLP-1 Drugs: No Cancer Link, Reduced Obesity-Related Cancers. Targeted Therapies in Oncology. Accessed on July 20, 2025 at https://www.targetedonc.com/view/glp-1-drugs-no-cancer-link-reduced-obesity-related-cancers
10. Pinto, L. C., et. al. 2019. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. In: Nature Scientific Reports. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-38956-2
11. Silverii, G. A., et. al. 2025. GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk for cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 27(8), 4454–4468. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.16489
12. Wang, L., et. al. 2024. Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and 13 Obesity-Associated Cancers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2421305. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21305
13. Yang, Z., et. al. 2022. GLP-1 receptor agonist-associated tumor adverse events: A real-world study from 2004 to 2021 based on FAERS. In: Frontiers in Pharmacology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.925377

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