Researchers are still working to gather more information about the link between type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, including:

• Liver
• Pancreas
• Uterus
• Colon
• Breast
• Bladder

Understanding shared risk factors

Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer share some risk factors. The good news is that some of these risk factors are within your control to manage:

• Age – As you age, your risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer decreases.
• Gender – Overall, cancer occurs more frequently in men. Men also have a slightly higher risk of diabetes than women.
• Race/Ethnicity – African Americans and non-Hispanic whites are more likely to develop cancer. African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Overweight: Being overweight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
• Inactivity : Higher levels of physical activity reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
• Smoking – Smoking is related to various types of cancer. Studies suggest that smoking is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
• Alcohol – Drinking more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men increases the risk of diabetes and cancer.

Taking Steps to Reduce Your Risks

• Lose Weight – If you’re overweight, even losing just 7% of your weight (approximately 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) can make a significant difference.
• Eat Healthy – Choose a diet with plenty of:
  • Fresh vegetables: The best options are fresh, frozen, and no-sodium, no-fat, or no-sugar-added canned vegetables and vegetable juices. Try to eat at least 3-5 servings of vegetables daily, including asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, greens, peppers, peas, and tomatoes. A serving of vegetables is 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables or vegetable juice, or 1 cup of raw vegetables.
  • Whole grains – A whole grain includes the bran, germ, and starchy endosperm. Choose cereals and grains with whole grains as the first ingredient, whole wheat flour, whole oats/oatmeal, whole corn/cornmeal, brown rice, or whole rye. Try to include dried beans, legumes, peas, and lentils in several meals per week. They are an excellent source of protein and loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Fruits – Eat fruits that are fresh, frozen, or canned without added sugars. Common fruits include apples, berries, blueberries, melon, figs, grapes, oranges, pears, and strawberries.
  • Choose healthier dairy and meat options:
    • Low-fat or fat-free dairy: Choose fat-free or low-fat (1%) dairy products such as milk, unsweetened soy yogurt, and soy milk.
    • Lean meats: The best choices are cuts of meat and meat alternatives that are lower in saturated fats and calories. Include fish and seafood, skinless poultry, eggs, and lean cuts or trimmed grades of meat.
  • Most importantly, be mindful of portion sizes.
• Stay Active – Set a goal to exercise five days a week. Thirty minutes of brisk walking or a similar activity will suffice. You can even break it into 3 blocks of 10 minutes if it’s easier to fit into your day. The key is to keep moving.
• Quit Smoking – If you smoke, learn how you can quit smoking. Prepare by setting a quit date, disposing of your cigarettes, or seeking help from others.

Preventive screenings are the next step to staying healthy Work with your healthcare provider to determine what types of cancer screening tests you should undergo. Your age and sex will help determine the recommended screening tests.