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

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

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

However, consultation with your oncology team is essential before starting this medication, as they can provide personalised advice based on your specific medical history.

Mounjaro is not specifically contraindicated for uterine or endometrial cancer survivors.

However, it shouldn’t be used by patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) due to concerns about thyroid cancer risk identified in animal studies.

Uterine cancer, most commonly known as endometrial cancer, is strongly linked to obesity, with approximately 34% of uterine cancer cases in the UK attributed to being overweight or living with obesity.

Research has shown that for every 5-unit increase in BMI, endometrial cancer risk increases by 54%, one of the strongest associations between obesity and any cancer type.

This connection makes weight loss particularly relevant for uterine cancer survivors.

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

Studies indicate that weight loss after cancer treatment may help reduce the risk of recurrence and improve overall health outcomes, though more research specifically on uterine cancer survivors and GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro is needed.

Understanding uterine cancer remission

Uterine cancer remission refers to the period when cancer symptoms decrease or disappear following treatment. Medical professionals typically classify remission into two categories:

1. Complete remission: No detectable signs of cancer remain after treatment based on physical examinations, imaging tests, and blood markers. However, microscopic cancer cells may still be present even when tests show no evidence of disease.

2. Partial remission: The cancer has responded to treatment and decreased in size, but hasn’t disappeared completely. Some measurable disease is still present.

Following uterine cancer treatment, which typically involves surgery (hysterectomy) and possibly radiation or chemotherapy depending on the stage, patients enter a surveillance period with regular follow-up appointments.

These follow-ups usually include pelvic examinations, imaging tests, and sometimes blood tests to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

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

In the UK, follow-up care for uterine cancer typically continues for at least five years, with schedules tailored to individual risk factors and treatment history.

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 levels

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.

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

1. Hormone regulation: Weight loss can help balance hormone levels, particularly estrogen, which is produced in fat tissue and linked to endometrial cancer development.

2. Reduced inflammation: Obesity creates a state of chronic inflammation in the body. Weight loss is associated with decreased inflammatory markers, which may create a less favourable environment for cancer recurrence.

3. Improved metabolic health: Better blood sugar control and reduced insulin resistance may support overall health after cancer treatment.

Current guidelines

While there are no specific guidelines addressing Mounjaro use after uterine 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 cancer specialist 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 uterine cancer, these factors will influence the decision about Mounjaro’s suitability.

In the UK, Mounjaro was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in November 2023 for weight management in adults with:

• A BMI over 30 (obesity)
• A BMI between 27-30 (overweight) 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 uterine cancer treatment:

• Regular monitoring: Continue all recommended cancer follow-up appointments.
• Medication reviews: Schedule regular reviews with your GP or specialist to assess how Mounjaro is working for you.
• Symptom awareness: Be vigilant about potential signs of cancer recurrence, such as vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or unexplained weight loss, and report these promptly to your healthcare team.
• 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 healthy fats from sources like extra virgin olive oil, avocado, or nuts, which help your body absorb essential nutrients

For uterine cancer survivors, a diet rich in whole foods may help manage hormonal balance and reduce inflammation.

Smaller meals with protein-rich snacks in between may be easier to manage if you experience appetite suppression while on Mounjaro.

3. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity offers multiple benefits after uterine cancer treatment:

• Overall health: Exercise improves cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and supports immune function.
• Metabolic benefits: Physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, complementing Mounjaro’s effects.
• Mental wellbeing: Activity helps manage stress and anxiety that often accompany cancer recovery.

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

If you’ve had pelvic radiation or extensive surgery, consult with your healthcare team about safe exercise options.

Take home message

Mounjaro can be a valuable tool to support weight loss after uterine 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 healthcare team to ensure safe use
• Focus on a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition and building other healthy habits

The strong link between obesity and uterine cancer makes weight management particularly important for survivors.

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.