Researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia found some evidence regarding the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. The study involved clinicians working alongside mathematicians to analyze and review data collected from 1973 to 2013 to determine whether there is a link between being diagnosed with diabetes and pancreatic cancer. The study, which involves data from around 88 international studies, is considered as the largest study analysis based on the subject so far.
According to Dr Mehrdad Nikfarjam, liver, pancreas and biliary specialist from the Department of Surgery at the University of Melbourne, “The study revealed the risk of pancreatic cancer was greatest after the diagnosis of diabetes but remained elevated long after the diagnosis. The presence of diabetes remains a modest risk factor for the development of a cancer later in life.”
Dr. Nikfarjam added that pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed when it is at an advanced and incurable stage. While the numbers of pancreatic cancer in the general population are relatively low, the study suggests that a screening program should be considered for people diagnosed with early onset diabetes.
“The priority on screening should be on patients with new-onset diabetes but can later be expanded to long-standing diabetic patients,” Dr Nikfarjam further added.
The results of the study were published in the journal Annals of Surgical Oncology.
Source: University of Melbourne. “Link between diabetes, pancreatic cancer found.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 March 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140314111523.htm>.
Tags: diabetes and cancer, diabetes diagnosis, Diabetes News, diabetes screening, pancreatic cancer