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Connections & Comorbidities: The Link between Colorectal Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

Welcome back to our ongoing series exploring the intricate relationship between colorectal cancer (CRC) and various health conditions. Our previous post uncovered the association between CRC and diabetes mellitus. Today, we embark on a new journey as we unravel the intriguing connection between cardiovascular disease and CRC. Through uncovering the latest research, we aim to shed light on shared risk factors and significant findings that emphasize the importance of addressing both these conditions. 

Shared Risk Factors Identified

A meta-analysis of 84 studies involving over 52 million participants has unveiled a clear association between cardiovascular disease and CRC. The analysis confirmed that individuals harboring risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as obesity, high body-mass index, diabetes, and smoking, face an increased likelihood of developing CRC. These shared risk factors act as crucial indicators of potential health complications. 

Intriguingly, the same study revealed a compelling insight: individuals who are obese and exhibit at least one metabolic abnormality, such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, or hypertension, face a 31% higher risk of being diagnosed with CRC. This underscores the significance of managing weight and addressing metabolic health concerns as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of developing both cardiovascular disease and CRC. 

A study conducted in Taiwan involving a substantial cohort of over 94,000 patients delved into the relationship between cardiovascular disease and CRC prognosis. The findings demonstrated that individuals diagnosed with CRC are more prone to developing cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease, within the first three years following their CRC diagnosis. This highlights the need for comprehensive health management strategies encompassing cancer treatment and cardiovascular health for CRC patients. 

Uninsured and the Risk of CRC, Cardiovascular Disease 

In a noteworthy cohort study published in June 2022, researchers examined over 197,000 cases of CRC from the SEER database to study the prognosis of CRC patients. They assessed mortality trends due to cardiovascular disease and identified risk factors to develop a predictive model for cardiovascular disease outcomes in this population. The study unveiled a significant risk factor: lack of insurance coverage. It was found that CRC patients without insurance faced a higher likelihood of cardiovascular death than those with health coverage. These findings emphasize the need for further exploration of the link between social determinants of health and health outcomes. 

As we conclude our exploration of the connection between cardiovascular disease and CRC, it becomes increasingly evident that these two conditions share risk factors and impact each other’s prognosis. This knowledge encourages a holistic approach to

healthcare that prioritizes overall well-being and seeks to achieve optimal health outcomes for individuals facing these conditions. By addressing common risk factors, focusing on metabolic health, and implementing comprehensive healthcare strategies, we can strive to minimize the impact of both cardiovascular disease and CRC.

 

Emma Edwards is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

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The Link Between Diabetes and Colorectal Cancer: Exploring the Evidence

As colorectal cancer (CRC) rates rise globally, especially in the early-onset population, identifying high-level risk factors for developing this disease becomes ever more critical. The link between diabetes and the incidence of colon and rectal cancers was discovered in 1998 and has been well-established since then, as many trials have uncovered the strength of the association between these two diagnoses. 

In 2013, a meta-analysis of 26 observational studies among more than 200,000 patients assessed the relationship between CRC and all-cause mortality (death due to any cause), cancer-specific mortality, and disease-free survival. Interestingly, diabetes was found associated with poorer outcomes for all three categories. A key finding from this study: individuals who have diabetes and CRC have a 17% increased risk of death due to any cause.

A 2017 article on the epidemiology of the association between diabetes and CRC delved into the potential molecular mechanisms of this association and the therapeutic implications of treating both diseases, and found that: 

  • Diabetes mellitus and CRC have many overlapping risk factors
  • Hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia may all play a role in the development of these dual diagnoses
  • Environmental and genetic risk factors may also play a role
  • Promising therapies for treating a dual diagnosis are statins, ACE inhibitors, anti-fibrotic agents, among others

A study among 2023 individuals evaluated the association between type 2 diabetes risk, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and CRC. Additionally, the study assessed the association between Lynch syndrome—which results from a genetic mutation that can lead to CRC—and these other variables, and found that:

  • Individuals with Lynch syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels had an increased risk of CRC
  • High triglyceride levels in those with Lynch syndrome did not increase CRC risk 
  • Hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in diabetic patients may increase the risk of CRC

A more recent study looked at the clinical and therapeutic implications of diabetes treatment and CRC risk. They found that while not always the case, these drugs often reduced the risk of dual diagnosis. Newer therapies, such as anticancer drugs that target IGF-1R and RAGE receptors (receptors for advanced glycation end products), may also help prevent and treat diabetes-induced CRC. 

It will be essential for future research to continue to explore the mechanisms behind these two diseases and to collaborate to create effective treatments for individuals experiencing dual diagnoses.

 

Emma Edwards is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

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