They warn that diabetes influences the appearance and evolution of cancer

They warn that diabetes influences the appearance and evolution of cancer

November 13, 2024 – 1:20 p.m.

A report from the Henry Moore Institute revealed that 12% of cancer patients also have diabetes. Furthermore, the lack of controls stands out: two thirds of women do not undergo Pap smears and 80% of patients do not undergo colonoscopies.

Within the framework of World Diabetic Patient Daywhich is commemorated on November 14, a report from the Henry Moore Institute revealed that 12% of patients with cancer they also have diabetesa figure that exceeds the average of 5.4% in the general Argentine population.

But also, the study warned that 60% of patients with cancer and diabetes do not register their diabetologist as their primary care physician. “This lack of coordination in medical care highlights the need to improve health education and promote preventive controls that can save lives,” stressed the work to which he accessed Scope.

The warning came after the presentation of the Institute’s third synthesis report, titled “Diabetes and Cancer: An Opportunity to Improve”carried out between September 2012 and October 2023, on a total of 25,989 patients assisted.

This work, coordinated by Ernesto Gil Dezadirector of Research and Teaching at the institute, offers an exhaustive analysis of the relationship between these two prevalent pathologies of the 21st century and proposes strategies to improve public health.

What the Henry Moore Cancer Institute report says

Furthermore, the report highlights the insufficiency of preventive controls: two-thirds of women do not have Pap smears, and 80% of patients do not undergo colonoscopies.

“These neglects, in a population with access to health, expose the need to improve health education and promote preventive controls that can save lives,” indicated health experts.

Gil Deza stressed that the diabetes It is “probably the most common endocrine comorbidity among cancer patients”, affecting one in ten adult cancer patients.

The implications of a patient with cancer and diabetes

Interactions between treatments cancer and diabetes are critical, as comorbidities complicate medical care.

  • One in ten cancer patients has diabetes, highlighting the need to address both conditions simultaneously.

  • There is a correlation between the severity of diabetes and the appearance of tumors, with average ages of cancer diagnosis of 64 years (unmedicated), 63 years (hypoglycemic agents) and 62 years (insulin).

  • Diabetic cancer patients typically have five to six additional comorbidities, with cardiovascular disorders being the most common.

  • They have a higher risk of digestive cancers, such as pancreas, and gynecological cancers, such as endometrium.

  • Tumors in diabetics tend to be more advanced at the time of the first consultation, indicating the need for earlier diagnoses.

  • Despite receiving follow-up for their diabetes, 60% do not have a diabetologist as their primary doctor.

  • Preventive measures are insufficient: a third of women do not have mammograms, and two thirds do not have colposcopies or Pap tests. Half of patients do not undergo colonoscopies or fecal occult blood tests.

  • This study is limited to a cohort of patients from a single institution, which may affect the generalizability of the results.

  • The collection of clinical data is essential to better understand the health of this population and foster research collaboration to improve public health.

In this framework, the report highlighted the need to improve care for diabetic patients with cancer, emphasizing the importance of educating about cancer prevention and establishing a primary care physician to coordinate their care.

Specialists suggest joint work between diabetologists and oncologists to optimize prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

“Diabetes not only affects patients’ daily lives, but also influences the onset and progression of cancer,” concluded Gil Deza, underlining the urgency of intensifying efforts in prevention and treatment to improve the quality of life and longevity of the population.

Source: Ambito

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