Introduction

In recent times, diabetes has been recognized more as a lifestyle disorder than a chronic condition, with an incidence rate of 11.6% of the US population, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It has seamlessly integrated into people’s lives and shows no sign of leaving. Upon delving deeper into this chronic condition, it becomes evident that it not only affects overall health but also potentially contributes to the development of cervical cancer. You may wonder, How is diabetes linked to cervical cancer? As January is dedicated to cervical cancer awareness, we are committed to delving into the connection between diabetes and cervical cancer as part of this month’s focus.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term chronic disease where the body fails to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. This is caused by the pancreas either not producing enough insulin or the body not responding to the insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood to muscle, fat, and other cells and stores it as energy. When not enough insulin is produced, glucose levels increase in the blood, resulting in diabetes.

Mainly, diabetes is categorized into two types:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a less common condition mainly seen in teens and young adults. In this type, either the body makes little insulin or no insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a more common condition that occurs due to various lifestyle choices, obesity, and other factors. In this condition, the body doesn’t use insulin properly.

What is cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer is a prevalent form of gynecological cancer that affects women worldwide. It originates in the lower part of the uterus, known as the cervix. Initially, abnormal changes occur in the cervical cells, which can progress to cancer over time. It’s important to note that not all cells develop into cancer; only high-risk strains of HPV infection can lead to the development of cancer.

Signs to recognize:

• Heavier menstrual bleeding
• Watery vaginal discharge with foul odor
• Vaginal bleeding after sex, period or menopause
• Pelvic pain during intercourse

Common risk factors for cervical cancer and diabetes

There are common potential risk factors that exist between cancer and diabetes [1]:

• Aging
• Sex
• Obesity
• Physical activity
• Diet
• Alcohol
• Smoking

Prevalence of cervical cancer in the U.S.

Due to the significant increase in the use of Pap and HPV testing, the cervical cancer death rate has dropped significantly. However, according to the American Cancer Society, the USA still diagnoses 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer, resulting in about 4,000 women dying from this cancer each year. Shockingly, it is estimated that about 1 in 5 people with cancer (20%) also have diabetes [2].

Diabetes and cervical cancer risk. What is the link? 

While there is no direct scientific link between diabetes and cervical cancer, Various studies revealed many promising insights about cervical cancer in conjunction with diabetes.

• Diabetes, characterized by high glucose levels in the blood. These levels may potentially act as a catalyst for the occurrence of cervical cancer in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL) and high-risk HPV infection [3].
• Cervical cancer patients associated with diabetes have a lower chance of survival and a higher chance of recurrence compared to those without diabetes [4].
• Diabetes in individuals with cancer can predict the prognosis of cervical cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between diabetes and its potential impact on the prognosis of cervical cancer [5,6].
• Several studies have demonstrated that metformin treatment is linked to a lower risk of cancer by inhibiting its progression in the body [7].

What’s your diabetes status?

While a direct link between diabetes and cervical cancer has not been established, numerous studies indicate that diabetes can indeed be a contributing risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly monitor diabetes and undergo timely cervical screenings, especially for women aged 40 and above. Microgen Health provides a customized 56-gene Diabetes panel test that covers multiple biological pathways, empowering individuals to proactively reduce their risks. 

Conclusion

If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep an eye on your health. Especially if you’re a woman aged 40 or older, consider getting regular checks for cervical cancer. There might be a link between diabetes and cervical cancer, so staying informed is key. 

Microgen Health offers a Diabetes gene panel, which can help you understand and manage your risks better. Take action now, look after yourself, and make choices that keep you healthy. Remember, timely diagnosis makes a big difference. Your health matters, so take steps today for a brighter tomorrow!

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2890380/
2. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9646939/
4. https://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0081/ea0081p314
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5737993/
6. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10552-022-01615-5
7. https://www.e-enm.org/journal/view.php?number=2361