Diabetes and Survivorship

June 15, 2010

A large research study conducted in Israel has suggested further evidence supporting a hunch many doctors and scientists have had for quite some time. Many medical and scientific professionals have long suspected a link between diabetes and cancer. It just makes sense; the two diseases share many common risk factors (e.g.,  obesity, low exercise levels, poor nutrition, smoking). The study out of Tel Aviv found that diabetic women experience roughly twice the risk of developing uterine or ovarian cancer when compared to non-diabetic women. Diabetic women also experienced a higher risk of esophageal, pancreatic, gallbladder, and colon cancers. In contrast, diabetic men do not seem to experience increased risk for cancer, and in fact, diabetic men seem to be less likely to develop prostate cancer. However, among men who have prostate cancer, are obese, and have diabetes, it is very likely that the cancer will be of high stage and grade. In other words, it seems like diabetes confers risk for the most serious cases of prostate cancer.

What does this mean for cancer survivors? Survivors, by virtue of having had cancer, experience increased risk for second and recurring cancers. While the Tel Aviv study suggests that diabetes among women is predictive of a cancer diagnosis, we need more evidence for the mirror of that situation. In other words, it is not yet clear if cancer puts a survivor at higher risk for diabetes. It does seem logical, and there is very little downside to considering it to be a threat. Diabetes prevention includes healthy eating, exercise, and regular visits to one’s physician to monitor progress. These are all well-known, widely-accepted good practices for cancer survivors. Additionally, survivors should be informed self-advocates; survivors should speak to their doctors about diabetes risk and prevention.

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