ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus and cancer are common conditions. Based on
epidemiological evidence, American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American
Cancer Society (ACS) concluded that patients with diabetes are at a higher risk
for cancers in their joint position statement. That statement includes a
meaningful association between cancer and diabetes; common risk factors for
both; possible biological links between the two and also whether the diabetes
therapy alters risk or prognosis of cancer. Additional comments included lack
of association or evidence between diabetes and cancers such as lung cancer and
lymphomas; and
reduced risk of prostate cancer among subjects with type 2 diabetes. It was
also stated that some cancers such as liver, pancreas, colon and rectum,
breast, bladder and endometrial cancers. Since prevalence of diabetes is more
than 25% among Veterans, our aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence
of various cancers among Veterans with type 2 diabetes at Albany, NY. Methods: In a single center, retrospective chart review study was carried out using
computerized patient records, after the Institutional Review Board and Research
and development review board at Veterans health administration at Stratton VA
MC at Albany, New York. Using CPT codes and verification by review of clinical
and laboratory information, the study was carried out. The information
collected include the BMI, smoking status, duration of diabetes, medications
used, other medical problems such as hypertension, atherosclerotic cardiovascular
disease, various cancers; laboratory data included HbA1C, eGFR, Creatinine and
lipid parameters. Results: The study identified 6777 subjects with type
2 diabetes with a mean age of 61 ± 10 and BMI of 32.6 ± 6. Total of 1046 subjects identified with cancers,
after exclusion of skin cancers. The most common cancers among Veterans with
type 2 DM are prostate cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer and Lung Cancer.
Other cancers include renal cell cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer,
lymphomas and breast cancer. Conclusion: It is worth considering the
causes why prostate and bladder cancers are so common among subjects with
diabetes using national database.