Cancer Risks

In the UK, research shows that people with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, bowel (colorectal), womb (endometrial), liver, pancreatic, and bladder cancer. 

This link is partly because diabetes and cancer share some common risk factors: 

• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) - too much sugar in the blood can “fuel” cell growth. 
• High insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) - the body often produces more insulin in type 2 diabetes, which can encourage cells to grow and divide. 
• Inflammation - diabetes can cause long-term, low-level inflammation, which may make it easier for cancer cells to develop. 
• Obesity - extra body weight is strongly linked to both type 2 diabetes and many types of cancer. 
• Aging - the risk for both diabetes and cancer increases as we get older. 
• Lifestyle - unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity can raise the risk of both conditions. 

WHAT THIS MEANS 

• Higher risk - people with diabetes may have a higher risk of cancers such as liver, pancreas, colon, and breast cancer. 
• Lower risk - interestingly, diabetes may be linked to a slightly lower risk of prostate cancer. 
• Prevention and management - healthy lifestyle choices—like eating well, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight—can lower your risk and improve outcomes. 
• Screening - it’s important for people with diabetes to stay up to date with cancer screenings (like mammograms, colonoscopies, or prostate checks) based on age and gender, so cancers can be found early when they’re easier to treat 

If you have diabetes and are worried about your cancer risk, or if you notice any new or unexplained symptoms, speak to your GP or healthcare professional.