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The Diabetes and Cancer Link
June 25, 2010
1 Min Read
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BOSTONA recent study at Harvard University reviewed the connection between diabetes and cancer (CA Cancer J Clin. June 16, 2010). Epidemiologic evidence suggests people with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of many forms of cancer. The two diseases share many risk factors, but potential biologic links are incompletely understood. Evidence from observational studies also suggests some medications used to treat hyperglycemia are associated with either an increased or reduced risk of cancer.
The study highlighted a few key questions, including:
Is There a Meaningful Association Between Diabetes and Cancer Incidence or Prognosis? Researchers noted, Diabetes is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer only. This association has been observed both before and after the advent of screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and therefore detection bias due to differential PSA utilization does not account for this finding.
What Risk Factors Are Common to Both Cancer and Diabetes? Common risk factors investigated include: age, sex, obesity, physical activity, diet, alcohol and smoking.
What Are Possible Biologic Links Between Diabetes and Cancer Risk? Links between insulin and hormones, and hyperglycemia and cancer were discussed. Additionally, the direct effects of insulin, type 2 diabetes and/or the related obesity were assessed for their enhancement of particular pathways that may result in malignant progression.
Do Diabetes Treatments Influence Cancer Risk or Cancer Prognosis? Researchers addressed common therapies used in the treatment of diabetes and their link to an increased/decreased risk of cancer.
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