While researchers continue to seek answers to the relationship between diabetes and cancer, there is evidence that suggests people with diabetes are at a higher risk for many forms of cancer. There are an estimated 285 million people, or 6.6%, with a diabetes diagnosis worldwide. The US accounts for 23.6 million of these people with diabetes with an estimated 1.6 million new diagnoses every year. The frequency of having a diabetes diagnosis plus a cancer diagnosis exceeds statistical chance. There is enough statistical data to support the idea that a relationship exists. Consider the following US data for diabetes associated cancer risk:
- Prostate (occurs about 1.2 – 1.5 fold less with Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis; Type 2 diabetes diagnosis associated increased mortality)
- Breast (occurs about 1.2 – 1.5 fold less with Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis)
- Lung / bronchus (occurs about 1.2 – 1.5 fold less with Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis)
- Colon / rectum (occurs about 1.2 – 1.5 fold less with Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis)
- Bladder (occurs about 1.2 – 1.5 fold less with Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis)
- Liver
- Pancreas (with 5+ year history of diabetes diagnosis)
- Endometrium
It is believed that the association between diabetes and cancer may be due to shared risk factors. Diabetes and / or cancer prevention is associated with reducing risk factors and early wellness screening. Risk factors that are common for diabetes and cancer include:
Diabetes and Cancer Nonmodifiable Risk Factors
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Sex (men slightly higher for diabetes & cancer)
- Race / ethnicity (African Americans, followed by non-Hispanic whites with highest risk for cancer; African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.)
- Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis (African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, ad Asian Americans / Pacific Islanders highest risk)
Diabetes and Cancer Modifiable Risk Factors
- Overweight, obesity, and weight change (Overweight: BMI > 25 and < 30 kg/m2 Obese: BMI > 30 kg/m2)
- Low physical activity
- Tobacco smoking
- Moderate or higher alcohol consumption (< 1 drink a day for women and < 2 drinks a day for men)
At the point you may be asking if the diabetes raises cancer risk or does cancer raise diabetes risk. The diabetes seems to increase pancreatic cancer risk, but other cancers with a diabetes diagnosis are inconclusive.
Does the treatment of diabetes raise cancer risk or vice versa? Diabetes treatment metformin is associated with improved cancer outcomes.
Recommendations
- People with diabetes should be aware of their increased risk of cancer and undergo regular cancer screenings. Regular age-appropriate cancer screenings. For more information on cancer screenings, check out the American Cancer Society (ACS).
- Managing diabetes effectively by controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a free BMI calculator and the Diabetes FoodHub to support healthy eating.
- Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking. For additional tips from the ADA click here or for the ACS click here.
If a person with diabetes is diagnosed with cancer, it is important to manage both conditions carefully to improve outcomes.