Search

Background: Both diabetes and cancer are major global health issues that are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. There is a high prevalence of diabetes among cancer patients, many of whom require a surgical procedure. This review focuses on the operative complications in patients with diabetes and cancer, and the perioperative management of diabetes in cancer patients., Methodology: A literature search of articles in English-published between January 2010 and May 2024-was carried out using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The search primarily focused on the operative complications in patients with diabetes and cancer, and perioperative management strategies., Results: The relationship between cancer and diabetes is complex; cancer patients have a high risk of developing diabetes, while diabetes is a risk factor for certain cancers. In addition, various cancer therapies can induce or worsen diabetes in susceptible patients. Many individuals with cancer and diabetes require surgery, and due to underlying diabetes, they may have elevated risks for operative complications. Optimal perioperative management for these patients includes managing perioperative glycemia and other comorbid illnesses, adjusting diabetic and cancer treatments, optimizing nutrition, minimizing the duration of fasting, supporting early mobilization, and providing patient education to enable self-management., Conclusions: While evidence is limited, optimal perioperative management for patients with both diabetes and cancer is necessary in order to reduce surgical complications. Future studies are needed to develop evidence-informed perioperative strategies and improve outcomes for these patients.

Background: Obesity or excess body fat is a major global health challenge that has not only been associated with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease but is also a major risk factor for the development of and mortality related to a subgroup of cancer. This review focuses on epidemiology, the relationship between obesity and the risk associated with the development and recurrence of cancer and the management of obesity., Methods: A literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar was performed and the keywords 'obesity' and cancer' were used. The search was limited to research papers published in English prior to September 2022 and focused on studies that investigated epidemiology, the pathogenesis of cancer, cancer incidence and the risk of recurrence, and the management of obesity., Results: About 4-8% of all cancers are attributed to obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for several major cancers, including post-menopausal breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney, esophageal, pancreatic, liver, and gallbladder cancer. Excess body fat results in an approximately 17% increased risk of cancer-specific mortality. The relationship between obesity and the risk associated with the development of cancer and its recurrence is not fully understood and involves altered fatty acid metabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling, the secretion of adipokines and anabolic and sex hormones, immune dysregulation, and chronic inflammation. Obesity may also increase treatment-related adverse effects and influence treatment decisions regarding specific types of cancer therapy. Structured exercise in combination with dietary support and behavior therapy are effective interventions. Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues and bariatric surgery result in more rapid weight loss and can be considered in selected cancer survivors., Conclusions: Obesity increases cancer risk and mortality. Weight-reducing strategies in obesity-associated cancers are important interventions as a key component of cancer care. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate the complex relationship between obesity and cancer with the identification of targets for effective interventions.

Background: Diabetes mellitus and cancer are commonly coexisting illnesses, and the global incidence and prevalence of both are rising. Cancer patients with diabetes face unique challenges. This review highlights the relationship between diabetes and cancer and various aspects of the management of diabetes in cancer patients., Methods: A literature search using keywords in PubMed was performed. Studies that were published in English prior to July 2021 were assessed and an overview of epidemiology, cancer risk, outcomes, treatment-related hyperglycemia and management of diabetes in cancer patients is provided., Results: Overall, 8-18% of cancer patients have diabetes as a comorbid medical condition. Diabetes is a risk factor for certain solid malignancies, such as pancreatic, liver, colon, breast, and endometrial cancer. Several novel targeted compounds and immunotherapies can cause hyperglycemia. Nevertheless, most patients undergoing cancer therapy can be managed with an appropriate glucose lowering agent without the need for discontinuation of cancer treatment. Evidence suggests that cancer patients with diabetes have higher cancer-related mortality; therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is important in the management of patients with diabetes and cancer for a better outcome., Conclusions: Future studies are required to better understand the underlying mechanism between the risk of cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, high-quality prospective studies evaluating management of diabetes in cancer patients using innovative tools are needed. A patient-centered approach is important in cancer patients with diabetes to avoid adverse outcomes.