The first is a study from researchers in South Carolina that was reported on October 31 at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). It found that people with diabetes were 40% more likely to have colon cancer than people without diabetes. The findings were a result of a cross-sectional study that analyzed data from 226,953 participants in the 1997-2003 National Health Interview Survey.
The second is a study from researchers in Sweden that appeared in the November 16 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. It found that diabetes was associated with a 30% higher risk for cancer of the colon and rectum. The increased risk was similar for men and women. The findings were a result of a meta-analysis of 15 studies that collectively included over 2.5 million participants.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have designed a campaign, Screen for Life, to encourage people 50 and older to get screened for colorectal cancer.
Academy Award–winning actor Morgan Freeman and NBC Today Show host Katie Couric have joined the Screen for Life campaign to help get the word out on the importance of regular screenings.
From Mr. Freeman's public service announcement:
"Has anyone ever said, 'You’re the picture of health'? You look healthy and you feel fine, but that may not be the full picture. Colorectal cancer is the number two-cancer killer. It doesn't always cause symptoms, but it can be prevented. Screening can find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. So get screened. Make sure you are the picture of health."
You can watch a video of Mr. Freeman's public service announcement here.
For ACG's press release:
Diabetes and Risk of Colorectal Cancer
For the Journal of the National Cancer Institute's study:
Diabetes Mellitus and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
For CDC's Screen for Life Campaign:
Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
