Diabetes and Cancer
Sometimes, diabetes isn’t your only health concern. If you have diabetes, you may be at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer. Research estimates that 1 in 5 cancer patients also have diabetes, making it important to understand the link between these conditions and how to manage both effectively.
What is Cancer?
Cancer develops when the normal functioning of cells goes wrong, causing them to become abnormal. These abnormal cells keep dividing and eventually form a lump called a tumour. Not all tumours are cancerous:
Benign tumours
may grow but cannot spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant tumours
can grow into nearby tissue and may spread to other areas, forming what is called secondary cancer or metastasis.
Diabetes and Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments can impact your diabetes and make it harder to manage your blood sugar levels. In some cases, cancer treatments—especially high-dose steroids—can cause diabetes to develop in people who were not previously diagnosed with the condition.
If you have both diabetes and cancer, it’s crucial to talk to your healthcare team about how your treatments may interact. Managing diabetes alongside cancer requires careful monitoring and collaboration with specialists to ensure both conditions are treated effectively.
View and download the information booklet Diabetes and cancer treatment
How Does Diabetes Increase Cancer Risk?
Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers share similar risk factors, such as:
People with type 1 diabetes also face a higher risk of certain cancers, such as cancer of the cervix and stomach.
Reducing Your Risk of Cancer
Taking steps to reduce your cancer risk is important, especially if you live with diabetes. Here are some things you can do:
Maintain a healthy weight
for your height.
Stay active
with regular exercise.
Avoid smoking
to reduce your risk of both cancer and complications from diabetes.
A healthy lifestyle can help lower your chances of developing both diabetes complications and cancer.
Managing Diabetes and Cancer Together
Being diagnosed with cancer while managing diabetes can be overwhelming. You may struggle to control your blood sugar levels during cancer treatment, or you might feel anxious about balancing both conditions. It’s important to seek help from your healthcare provider, who can offer guidance and support throughout your treatment journey.
If you’re looking for additional advice and emotional support, there are resources available in Kenya, including diabetes and cancer helplines.