WORRIED cancer patients are flooding a charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use.
Some of the concerns are being raised by those already having treatment such as chemo or hormone therapy.
But others are fretting that using weight loss medication could increase their cancer risk.
Other questions posed to Macmillan Cancer Support’s helpline include asking if they were safe for someone who has had a previous thyroid cancer diagnosis, or before cancer surgery.
Studies suggest the jabs might reduce the risk of some cancers but research is ongoing and they may not be safe for everyone.
The rise in queries prompted the charity’s Dr Owen Carter to urge caution before using the jabs.
He said: “Recently we have seen a noticeable increase in calls to Macmillan’s support line and a flurry of messages on our online community about weight loss drugs.
“It’s understandable that lots of people are interested in new drugs which accelerate weight loss, particularly if they want to manage their weight before or after treatment for cancer.
“While ‘quick fixes’ may seem attractive, we simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight loss medications to recommend them if they’re not prescribed by a specialist.
“Additionally, certain weight loss medications carry warnings about a potential link with thyroid cancer.
“However, we know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment.”
Eating well and staying active were better ways to increase energy levels and strengthen immune systems, which, in turn, would help manage weight and cope with treatment, he added.
Worried cancer patients are flooding a charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use[/caption]
