Rectal Cancer and Diabetes Relationship: An Evidence-Based Overview for Healthcare Providers

As the third most frequently diagnosed cancer through the worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause and account for around 8% of all cancer-related death. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and inflammation due to deficiency in insulin secretion or dysregulation of the insulin action pathway, which further leads to dysfunction and failure of multiple organs. Many advances have been made in the diagnosis and management of rectal cancer. Although colorectal cancer survival is severely dependent on the stage of disease at diagnosis, it might also be influenced by several risk factors. The relationship between colorectal cancer and diabetes is a complex one and can raise problems in both diagnosis and the management of patients with both conditions. Metabolic pathways of the type II diabetes, glucose intolerance and obesity can be considered as a link to rectal cancer. This article provides not just an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of CRC and DM, but also highlights of CRC and DM relationship.