Private MD News

Diabetes may increase cancer risk

Category: Colon

Men with type 2 diabetes may want to consider colorectal cancer testing, as the findings of a new study indicate that these individuals are at a significantly higher risk for the potentially deadly disease.

Researchers from the American Cancer Society said that obesity, lack of physical activity and a high fat Western-style diet have all been shown to increase the risk of both type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer independently. However, there was previously no evidence to suggest that the presence of one condition may increase the risk of the other.

In their study of more than 73,000 men, researchers found that individuals who had type 2 diabetes were significantly more likely to develop colorectal cancer than healthy men.

Peter Campbell, who led the investigation, said that this is a major public health concern when it is considered that the number of individuals worldwide who have diabetes is expected to more than double by 2030.

"Prevention strategies should emphasize adherence to guidelines intended for the general population such as smoking cessation, weight management, exercise and regular early detection exams," he said.