Via practica 6/2020

Diabesity and cancer

The incidence of overweight and obesity has become pandemic throughout the world. Numerous co-morbidities of obesity include also cancer. In addition to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of multiple cancers, too. Both obesity and diabetes mellitus contribute independently to cancer, and their effects may be additive or synergistic. Epidemiological data have confirmed that there are several correlations and links between obesity, diabetes, and the increased risk of cancer incidence. There is strong evidence that overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) in adulthood increase the risk of carcinomas of oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus (adenocarcinoma), stomach (cardia), pancreas, gallbladder, liver, colorectum, breast (post-menopause), ovaries, endometrium, prostate (advanced cancer) and kidney. On the other hand, overweight and obesity in adult women before menopause reduces the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer. Overweight and obesity in young women aged 18–30 years also reduces the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer. Obesity and diabetes mellitus contribute to the increased incidence of multiple cancers through independent metabolic, hormonal and immunological mechanisms. Insulin treatment of diabetes mellitus increases the risk of some cancers. On the other hand, treatment with metformin reduces the risk of certain types of cancers.

Keywords: obesity, overweight, diabetes mellitus, cancer, malignant tumours