Link Between Cancer, Diabetes, and High BMI Identified in New Study

Overview of the Study

A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology has explored the associations between various cancers, diabetes, and high body mass index (BMI). Diabetes and elevated BMI are recognized as significant contributors to disease and mortality globally. Lifestyle changes have led to a notable rise in both obesity and diabetes rates.

Global Prevalence of Diabetes

In 2014, the global prevalence of diabetes was reported at 9% for men and 7.9% for women, impacting approximately 422 million adults worldwide. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of understanding the implications of diabetes and high BMI on cancer risk.

Research Findings

The study drew on data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), establishing a causal link between numerous cancers and diabetes. Additionally, strong correlations were identified between high BMI and specific cancer types. The research included a comparative risk assessment that evaluated the influence of diabetes and high BMI on cancer risk.

Methodology

The study began by identifying cases of diabetes and high BMI, defined as a BMI exceeding 25 kg/m², from 2002. A 10-year lag was considered between exposure and cancer incidence. The authors estimated population attributable fractions for 12 types of cancer based on age and gender across 175 countries in 2012. They utilized GLOBOCAN cancer incidence data to assess the number of cancer cases linked to these two risk factors, conducting analyses at the country level.

Key Findings

The results indicated that 5-6% of all new cancer cases in 2012, including myeloma, colorectal, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidney, esophageal, stomach, thyroid, breast, and endometrial cancers, could be attributed to the combined effects of diabetes and high BMI as independent risk factors. Notably, certain cancers showed a stronger association with these risk factors; for instance, as much as 24% of liver cancer cases were attributed to high BMI and diabetes. Furthermore, high BMI was linked to twice as many cancer cases as diabetes.

Conclusion and Public Health Implications

The authors concluded that a substantial number of cancer cases are linked to high BMI and diabetes. Given the rising incidence of these conditions, it is essential for public health initiatives to focus on developing effective prevention and screening strategies targeting these risk factors.

About the Author

Written by Nima Makhdami, M.D.

References

(1) Pearson-Stuttard, Jonathan, Bin Zhou, Vasilis Kontis, James Bentham, Marc J. Gunter, and Majid Ezzati. “Worldwide burden of cancer attributable to diabetes and high body-mass index: a comparative risk assessment.” The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2017).
(2) World Cancer Research Fund, American Institute for Cancer Research Food. Continuous update project. Colorectal cancer 2011 report. Nutrition, physical activity, and the prevention of colorectal cancer. London: World Cancer Research Fund, 2011.
(3) World Cancer Research Fund, American Institute for Cancer research. Continuous update project. Diet, nutrition, physical activity and gallbladder cancer. London: World Cancer Research, 2015.