People with diabetes are at risk of certain cancers, but the exact reason why is still not fully understood. But one thing is known ?? we already know what we need to do to lower risk for both cancer and diabetes,” Alice Bender, RD, of the American Institute for Cancer Research, says in a news release.
“Eat a healthy, varied, predominantly plant-based diet, be physically active every day, and maintain a healthy body weight. At least for cancer, we know that each factor independently lowers the risk of certain cancers, but all three done together are even more powerful,” she says.
Smoking cessation and moderation in alcohol intake are also an important lifestyle changes to consider reducing risks for both diabetes and cancer.
And those on diabetic treatments should not make decisions based on fear of cancer. “Clearly those being treated for diabetes need to be talking with their doctors about the importance of regular cancer screenings as recommended by the American Cancer Society,” says Dr. Gapstur.
Source:
“Diabetes and Cancer: A Consensus Report.” Edward Giovannucci, David M. Harlan, Michael C. Archer, Richard M. Bergenstal, Susan M. Gapstur, Laurel A. Habel, Michael Pollak, Judith G. Regensteiner, and Douglas Yee. CA Cancer J Clin, published online before print 16 June 2010.
DOI:10.3322/caac.20078
