Australian scientists announced on August 31 that their research indicates men aged 55-84 with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer compared to their healthy counterparts in the same age group.
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The study was conducted by a research team from the University of Western Australia over 11 years, involving 1,300 individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Initiated in the 1990s, this research also examined how many of the diabetic patients developed cancer.
The research team stated that this is the first finding showing that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a higher risk of developing all types of cancer.
According to the lead researcher, Professor Tim Davis from the University of Western Australia, based on the study’s results, doctors should consider colorectal cancer screening as an essential part of diabetes management.
Professor Davis stated: “While monitoring blood sugar levels is an option, comprehensive colorectal screenings need to be performed and can become an integral part of diabetes management.”
On average, one in every 12 Australians is diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 85.
If detected early, 90% of cases of this type of cancer can be treated successfully. However, most individuals with colorectal cancer typically discover the disease only after it has progressed.
Currently, colorectal cancer has the second-highest mortality rate in Australia.
