Type 2 diabetes and cancer are two of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. Individually, these conditions can be devastating for your health, but certain factors for diabetes may also increase your risk for a few different types of cancer, including pancreatic, liver, colon, breast, bladder, and uterine cancer.
Some risk factors for diabetes and cancer may be outside of your control and, as a result, difficult to manage. These include:
- Age: Your risk of developing both diabetes and cancer increases with age.
- Gender: Men are generally at a higher risk of both cancer and diabetes than women.
Most of the factors that affect your risk of diabetes and cancer relate to your diet and lifestyle. These can largely be managed by making healthy adjustments to your regular habits. Manageable risk factors include:
Weight: Excessive body weight is one of the leading risk factors for both diabetes and cancer. Your weight can mainly be managed through diet and regular exercise. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a limited amount of animal protein products such as meat, fish, and dairy.
Activity: Physical inactivity contributes to excessive weight and the development of various other health issues. Regular exercise is crucial for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and provides significant benefits for your overall physical well-being.
Smoking: Smoking increases your risk for several different forms of cancer. While it is most commonly associated with lung, oral, and esophageal cancer, it can also lead to pancreatic, liver, colon, and bladder cancer.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption increases your risk of both diabetes and cancer. Stick to the recommended limits (two drinks per day for men, one drink per day for women) to reduce your risk.
Regular screenings for both diabetes and cancer can help you receive the treatment you need as early as possible. To schedule an appointment for a diabetes screening with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001. To schedule a cancer screening, please contact our Oncology Department at (718) 206-6742.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.