If you have Diabetes Type 2, have you been getting recommended screening for colon cancer? Web MD Health News reports a study from Digestive Disease Week which may suggest that people with Diabetes start screening for colon cancer at age 40 rather than the standard recommendation of age 50. Dr. Vu reviewed the medical records of people who had colonoscopies at Washington University at St. Louis with the following results:
Colonoscopy found at least one precancerous polyp in:
- 14% of those ages 40-49 without diabetes
- 30% of those ages 40-49 with diabetes
- 32% of those ages 50-59 without diabetes
The higher insulin levels (caused by insulin resistance) in people with Diabetes Type 2 may increase the growth of cells including cancerous and precancerous cells in the colon. this study does not prove the association; if a randomized double blind control trial confirms these findings, early screening for people with Diabetes Type 2 may be recommended. Please check with your Health Care Provider.
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