Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer Association and causality of two common diseases

Background The global burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. T2DM is significantly associated with different types of cancer. Unfortunately, the data available often do not sufficiently take into consideration important cofactors of carcinogenesis. The identification of cancers associated with a higher incidence in T2DM as well as T2DM patients at risk are the subject of ongoing investigations. Objectives Evaluation of the association of T2DM and cancer with a special focus on gastrointestinal cancer. Presentation of possible ways for safe and economic identification and screening of patients at high risk for cancer. Methods Current studies regarding the association of T2DM and cancer were reviewed and summarized. Results Patients with T2DM are at risk for developing colorectal, pancreatic, hepatocellular, breast, endometrial, lung and renal cancer. Conclusion Modern treatment of T2DM patients includes not only the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular complications but also the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of associated cancers.