Diabetes gene variant linked to raised risk of cancer, study finds
THE genetic variants behind Type 2 diabetes could also increase the risk of breast, bowel and pancreatic cancer, research suggests.
Links between the diseases have long been known, but the role of obesity in fuelling both has made it hard to unpick the genetic connections.
Experts say the identification of specific genetic variants could save thousands of lives, by helping to predict, prevent and treat cases of cancer.
More than five million people in the UK have Type 2 diabetes, and cancer is the leading cause of death among those with the condition.
The study by the University of Surrey examined the DNA of 36,000 people to see if genetics could help to explain why some people with Type 2 diabetes also get cancer.
It showed how genetic variants, which are differences in sequences of genes, can simultaneously affect multiple health conditions.
The research focused on the three cancer types people with Type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of developing – post-menopausal breast cancer, colorectal (bowel) cancer and pancreatic cancer. For the first time, two specific genetic variants were pinpointed as key contributors to developing both Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
One variant was linked to the risk of developing both breast cancer and Type 2 diabetes. The other affected Type 2 diabetes and breast, colorectal (bowel), and pancreatic cancer risk.
A further 17 variants which increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and change the body in ways which increase the risk of cancer – such as through higher blood sugar and insulin levels, inflammation and hormonal changes – were also spotted.
The findings of the study, led by Prof Inga Prokopenko, were presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference in London. Dr Elizabeth Robertson, the director of research at Diabetes UK, which part-funded the study, said: “This research sheds new light on the role that genetically determined factors play in why some people with Type 2 diabetes are also at risk of breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
“In time, this could help doctors to identify people earlier who are at risk of Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, while paving the way to better, more personalised ways to prevent and treat the conditions.”
Experts say a healthy diet and weight are key to reducing the risks of both Type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Nine in 10 cases of Type 2 diabetes are linked to excess weight and about four in 10 cases of cancer are linked to lifestyle.
Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, which helped fund the study, said: “As cancer is now the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, understanding the complex genetic interplay between Type 2 diabetes and several cancer types is crucial for driving prevention strategies for this group of people.”
‘This could help identify people at risk earlier while paving the way to better ways to treat conditions’