Diabetes Doubles Cancer Risk, New Study Finds

Cancer is emerging as a significant long-term complication for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to recent research.

The study, which analyzed health data from adults in Denmark between 1996 and 2022, found that cancer occurs twice as frequently in people with type 2 diabetes. For every 1,000 person-years, 16.6 cases were observed in those with diabetes, versus 7.7 cases in those without.

Furthermore, the incidence of cancer has been increasing at a faster pace among individuals with type 2 diabetes over the last quarter-century. This heightened risk is particularly notable for cancers associated with obesity, with rates being 45% higher in men and 30% higher in women between 2010 and 2022.

Specific cancers show a marked increase. Breast cancer is about 8% more common in women with type 2 diabetes, while colon cancer occurs 17% more often in men and 14% more often in women. The risk for pancreatic cancer is also two and a half times higher.

Researchers emphasize the growing burden of cancer within the type 2 diabetes population. They advocate for prioritizing cancer prevention and early detection as integral components of ongoing diabetes care. This includes ensuring that individuals with type 2 diabetes fully benefit from existing screening programs for common obesity-related cancers like colorectal and postmenopausal breast cancer.

While the study highlights a strong association, it did not establish the underlying reasons for the link between type 2 diabetes and cancer, indicating a need for further investigation. The findings are scheduled for presentation at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Milan from September 28 to October 2, 2026.