Diabetes is a serious health problem globally, and the number of its patients is increasing year after year. Health experts say that young people and even children are being found victims of this, which can be a serious problem. Diabetes brings with it many other types of health problems.
The risk of eye, kidney, liver, and heart diseases is seen to be higher in diabetic patients. Researchers found that people with diabetes may also have a higher risk of colon cancer.
According to the results of a recent study published in the journal JAMA, people with diabetes may have a 47% higher risk of developing colorectal (colon) cancer than those without diabetes. This cancer mainly occurs due to uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon. Every year lakhs of people die due to this type of cancer.
Colorectal cancer risk in diabetic patients
The study found that people who have had diabetes within the past 5 years have the highest risk of developing colorectal cancer, suggesting that it is important to screen for cancer in people who are diagnosed with diabetes. By identifying the risks in time, measures can be taken to reduce the danger.
The findings of the study, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest that colonoscopy is especially important for people with diabetes.
What did the study find?
Researchers analyzed data from 54,597 people for the study. Participants self-reported their diabetes status, although researchers only studied people who had type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and colorectal cancer affect people worldwide, the authors said.
These studies are necessary to detect other risks in people suffering from diabetes and to treat them in time. Researchers said colonoscopy of such patients must be done.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that helps to examine the inside of your entire colon (large intestine). This procedure is performed using a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope. There is a light and a small camera at one end of the tube, which helps in detecting the growing cells.
Researchers say that in diabetic patients, this test should be done at regular intervals on the advice of the doctor so that this cancer can be identified in time.
What is the advice of researchers?
The study authors concluded that people with diabetes need to pay serious attention to the increased risk of heart and kidney disease, as well as cancer. In most cases, cancer is diagnosed when it reaches its final stages. According to the CDC, current guidelines recommend that most people should be screened for colorectal cancer by age 45, a serious health risk that is increasing globally.
(PC: Freepik)
