Diabetics at increased risk of colorectal cancer

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A national survey finds an increased risk of colorectal cancer among those who have diabetes.
A national survey finds an increased risk of colorectal cancer among those who have diabetes. The National Health Interview Survey uncovers various disease risk factors and has now revealed a previously unknown link between diabetes and colorectal cancer. A group of nearly quarter of a million individuals gave medical history data between 1997 and 2003. Nearly six per cent had diabetes.

After controlling for factors like smoking, obesity, age, race and gender, the researchers found that the diabetics had a 1.4 times higher risk of colorectal cancer than did non-diabetics. It is not clear why this should be. But people with diabetes should pay particular attention to their doctor's recommendations regarding colorectal screening. After age 50, regular colonoscopy - examination of the colon for polyps - could be life-saving.

Source
American College of Gastroenterology meeting 31st October 2005

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