Can you take Mounjaro if you’ve had bowel cancer?

Jump to: Understanding bowel cancer remission | How Mounjaro works | Current guidelines | Practical tips | Take home message

You can take Mounjaro (tirzepatide) if you’re in complete remission from bowel cancer and are no longer receiving active treatment.

The decision about when to start weight loss medication after cancer treatment should be made in consultation with your oncology team, as each patient’s situation is unique.

While some healthcare providers may suggest waiting a period after completing cancer treatment before starting medications like Mounjaro, there’s limited specific clinical guidance on exact timeframes.

Bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with approximately 42,900 new cases diagnosed each year, accounting for 11% of all new cancer cases.

Early detection and improved treatments have increased five-year survival rates to around 60% in the UK.

If you’re considering Mounjaro after bowel cancer treatment, it’s essential to consult with your oncologist first.

They can provide personalised advice based on your specific cancer history, current health status, and treatment history.

Studies suggest that maintaining a healthy weight after bowel cancer treatment may reduce the risk of recurrence and improve overall survival outcomes.

For those who struggle with weight management following treatment, medications like Mounjaro might provide valuable support as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Understanding bowel cancer remission

Bowel cancer remission refers to a period when cancer symptoms decrease or disappear completely following treatment.

Medical professionals typically classify remission into two categories:

1. Complete remission: No detectable signs of cancer remain after treatment. This means scans, blood tests, and other examinations show no evidence of cancer. However, microscopic cancer cells may still be present.

2. Partial remission: The cancer has responded to treatment and decreased in size, but it hasn’t disappeared completely. Some tumour markers or visible signs of cancer may still be present.

Following bowel cancer treatment, patients typically enter a surveillance period with regular check-ups, colonoscopies, and blood tests to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

The frequency of these follow-ups is highest in the first 2-3 years after treatment, gradually decreasing if no signs of cancer return.

In the UK, the NHS recommends follow-up care for at least five years after bowel cancer treatment, with more intensive monitoring for higher-risk cases.

How Mounjaro works

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual-action medication that mimics two hormones in your body: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).

These hormones play important roles in regulating appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels.

When you take Mounjaro, it:

1. Reduces hunger by communicating with your brain’s appetite control centre
2. Slows digestion so you feel fuller for longer after eating
3. Improves insulin functions and helps regulate blood sugar

These effects help create a calorie deficit, which leads to weight loss.

Clinical trials have shown Mounjaro supports an average weight loss of over 25% of body weight over 72 weeks, significantly more than earlier weight-loss medications, such as Ozempic, Saxenda, and Wegovy.

For bowel cancer survivors specifically, Mounjaro might offer additional benefits beyond weight loss:

1. Metabolic health improvements: Better blood sugar control and reduced insulin resistance may create a less favourable environment for cancer cell growth.

2. Reduced inflammation: Weight loss is associated with decreased inflammatory markers in the body, which may benefit overall health after cancer treatment.

Current guidelines

While there are no specific guidelines addressing Mounjaro use after bowel cancer treatment, several general principles apply:

1. Cancer remission status: Most healthcare providers recommend that patients be in complete remission before starting weight-loss medications.

2. Individualised assessment: Rather than following a rigid waiting period, decisions should be based on your specific medical history, treatment response, and current health status. Your oncologist is best positioned to evaluate when it might be appropriate for you to consider weight management medications.

3. Coordination of care: Your oncologist should be consulted before starting Mounjaro to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your cancer monitoring or treatment plan.

4. Pre-existing conditions: If you have diabetes or other metabolic conditions along with a history of bowel cancer, these factors will influence the decision about Mounjaro’s suitability.

In the UK, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for Mounjaro currently approve its use for:

• Type 2 diabetes management
• Weight management in adults with a BMI over 30, or a BMI over 27 with weight-related health conditions

These guidelines don’t specifically exclude cancer survivors, but individual assessment by healthcare providers is essential.

Practical tips

1. Keep in touch with your healthcare team

If you decide to take Mounjaro after bowel cancer treatment:

• Regular monitoring: Continue all recommended cancer follow-up appointments and screenings.
• Symptom tracking: Keep a diary of any side effects from Mounjaro that might overlap with potential cancer symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel habits.
• Medication reviews: Schedule regular reviews with your GP or specialist to assess how the medication is working for you.
• Integrated care: Ensure all your healthcare providers, including your oncologist, GP, and any specialists, are aware of all medications you’re taking.

On Second Nature’s Mounjaro programme, you’ll complete monthly check-in forms that are reviewed by our clinical team to monitor your progress and any side effects.

2. Eat a diet based on whole foods

Nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods becomes especially important when taking Mounjaro after cancer treatment.

Second Nature’s balanced plate model offers a foundation to build a healthy diet on:

• Fill half your plate with a variety of non-starchy vegetables to provide essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and plant compounds that support overall health
• Dedicate a quarter of your plate to quality protein sources – like poultry, fish, eggs, lean meat, tofu, or legumes – which become especially crucial during weight loss to preserve precious muscle mass
• The remaining quarter accommodates complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, or whole grains, providing sustained energy without blood sugar spikes
• Include a tablespoon of fats from whole foods like butter, extra virgin olive oil, avocado, or nuts, which help your body absorb essential nutrients

Cancer survivors should pay special attention to overall nutrition, aiming for nutrient-dense foods that support healing and recovery.

Small, frequent meals may be easier to manage if you experience fatigue or reduced appetite.

3. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity offers multiple benefits after bowel cancer treatment:

• Reduced recurrence risk: Research suggests physically active bowel cancer survivors may have a lower risk of cancer recurrence.
• Improved bowel function: Gentle exercise can help regulate bowel movements, which may be affected by both cancer treatment and Mounjaro.
• Mood improvement: Physical activity helps manage stress and anxiety often accompanying cancer recovery.

Start with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga, and gradually increase intensity as your strength improves.

Take home message

Mounjaro can be a valuable tool to support weight loss after bowel cancer remission, but coordination with your cancer care team is essential:

• Wait until you’re in complete remission and have finished all active cancer treatments
• Consult with your oncologist about the appropriate timing to start weight management medications based on your individual circumstances
• Maintain all recommended follow-up appointments and cancer screenings
• Work with your oncologist and primary care provider to ensure safe use
• Focus on a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition and building other healthy habits, like exercise and sleep

By taking these precautions and prioritising personalised medical guidance, you can potentially benefit from Mounjaro’s significant weight-loss effects while minimising any risks to your cancer recovery.

Second Nature’s medication programme

Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.

Why should you choose Second Nature over other providers assuming you’re eligible?

For peace of mind.

Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.

While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programme focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.

We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.