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June 17th, 2010
01:14 PM ET
Diabetics at higher cancer risk
By Leslie Wade Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of developing cancer, according to a joint statement released by the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society. "The evidence is very strong, about a twofold higher risk of cancer among those with diabetes: liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and endometrial cancer. And to a lesser extent, diabetes looks to be a risk factor for colorectal cancer, breast cancer and bladder cancer," says Susan Gapstur, vice president of the Epidemiology Research Program at the American Cancer Society. Some connections between the diseases are easier to decipher than others, researchers say. They looked at shared risk factors, biologic links, and the effects of drug treatment. Both diseases are more common in those who are older, obese, physically inactive and have poor diets. These shared risk factors offer some explanation. Complex biology offers more clues. "Some of the factors that may contribute to a cell becoming a cancer might include high insulin and glucose levels that result from diabetes," Gapstur explains. That's to say, spikes in insulin and blood sugar levels at different times throughout the course of the disease. Hormone-like substances from fat are also suspected of playing a role in promoting cancer. Scientists are also looking at the possible link between diabetes treatment and cancer, though the evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest that metformin, a common type 2 diabetes drug, actually lowers the risk of cancer. Other research seems to indicate that insulin treatment may increase the risk. Experts encourage patients to talk to their doctor if at very high risk for cancer, before making any changes in treatment. So what can diabetics do to reduce their chances of developing cancer? "First and foremost, prevention is key," explains Gapstur. She stresses the urgency of adapting healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting plenty of exercise. And have a conversation with your doctor about cancer screenings because catching early signs of cancer may make all of the difference. Editor's Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation.
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. Recent Comments
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My mother died of leukemia and was diabetic, and my sister was diabetic and had an inoperable brain tumor. I am a 21 year survivor of
breast cancer and am also diabetic. Since I am very old, I must be doing something right.
I have sadly seen a lot of people die around my neck of the woods because of cancer and a lot but not all of them were over weight or obese so this makes sense now all we need is for more studies to be done to confirm if this is the real deal or not.
AS though the list of complications were less for diabetics, few more added up to the list. I hope someone will find a cure for diabetes, this slow killing every moment suffering disease. Worse than having cancer! I don't know if educating yourself with these complications are good or depressing!
This is scary. What to do – what to do?
what about the ones who have type 1 diabetes?
are they at a higher risk also?
If only they were sure... I feel like we are experiments! My doctor keeps finding things I need meds for. I feel fine, I look fine, but I am diabetic, hypothyroid, have hypertension and high cholesterol and mitral valve prolapse. With calcium and niacin therapy I feel like I should be a freaking old woman. I know blood tests don't lie, but is all these meds really necessary? They are absoulutely clueless!!! The drug companies rule and if you live in the midwest like I do, the government released a ton of radiation and crap all over this area in the 40's and 50's. They have created the market the drug companies needed to profit!
That's because our medical world fails to find the infectious agents responsible for these disease process – because in many cases the two infectious agents are being transported together. The bacterial infection that usually causes appendicitis, when colonized in the liver, colonizes itself in the pancreas instead thus infecting/effecting the insulin – the virus that causes cancer is the same one the causes psorasis, Alzheimers, congestive heart failure, weight gain, kidney failure, etc. – it's choice for it's baseline colonization is the bile ducts of the liver where it is again infects/effects absorption – you wonder why, in many cases the cancer returns, they may remove a breast, kidney, other organs, etc. – but fail to find out where the real problem is – the bile ducts of the liver – the biggest filtering organ we have – "RACE FOR THE CURE" – if you truly want to cure these disease processes someone better start finding the infectious agents responsible instead of the "band-aid" treatments we currently offer!!!!!!!!!!
I'm a Type 1 diabetic and I just wanted to point out and thank the author for stating Type 2 rather than just "diabetic." Too often we get lumped in with Type 2 diabetics when they are totally different.
Liver and pancreatic cancers seem to be high among diabetics.They play a major role in regulating blood sugars.
If another recent report of 1 in 3 people are "pre-diabetic", then cancer of all types may be on the rise if diabetes is the culprit.
I am a type 2 diabetic in good control. I have come to accept that everybody is eventually going to die from something. I generally keep my diabetes confidential because people tend to treat a diabetic like an invalid or a "failed person" . I despise the TV commercial where the guy holds up a glucometer saying "If you have diabetes, you know what this is.....it's your lifeline!" Surprise....diabetics are not all neurotic little wussies like as that advertisement would have us believe.
Lynn....your right...there are alot of bundled oppourtunistic co infectors......the best thing to do is a rotation of really potent anti-bac,vir,myco,parasitical/protozoal/amebic. herbs..... and boost your immunity.....also a blood sugar reducing regimine....some of these little things we do are also naturally chemo theraputic..............my fav resourse is pub med.....look into bitter melon leaf.
oh yes...i,ve heard pyerstilbene are important
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