Report Explores Cancer, Diabetes Links

Both diabetes and high insulin levels may increase the risk of some cancers, experts say. This finding is part of a new report. It was sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes. The two groups recruited a panel of experts who looked at previous research. The panel found that people with diabetes have an increased risk of liver, pancreas, endometrial, colon/rectal, breast and bladder cancers. Prostate cancer risk may be below average. The reasons for all of these links are unclear. But there are potential reasons that would make biological sense, the lead author told HealthDay News. For example, insulin and similar proteins in the body can promote some cancers. Many people with type 2 diabetes have high levels of insulin in their bodies. Obesity and some other factors also increase the risk for both diabetes and cancer.