Diabetes, metforminuse,andcolon cancer: A population-based cohort study in Taiwan
Journal
European Journal of Endocrinology
Journal Volume
167
Journal Issue
3
Pages
409-416
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: A retrospective cohort study, using a population-based reimbursement database, was conducted for investigating the relationship between diabetes and colon cancer and assessing whether metformin had a protective effect. Methods: Overall, 493 704 men and 502 139 women, covered by the National Health Insurance, without colon cancer were followed from 2003 to 2005. Cox regression evaluated the adjusted relative risk (RR), considering confounders and detection examinations. Results: Even though diabetes patients had a significantly higher probability of receiving examinations that could lead to the detection of colon cancer, they had a significantly higher risk (24%) of this cancer after adjustment. Metformin users had a significantly lower risk (27%) of colon cancer. While comparing patients with diabetes for < 1, 1-3, and ? 3 years to nondiabetes individuals, the adjusted RR (95% confidence interval) was 1.308 (1.020-1.679), 1.087 (0.900-1.313), and 1.185 (1.055-1.330) respectively. The higher risk among those with diabetes for < 1 year suggested a possible reverse causality or a link with prediabetes. However, diabetes still might play some role in the development of colon cancer in those with diabetes for ? 3 years. The duration of metformin use showed an inverse trend, with a significant RR of 0.643 (0.490-0.845) in users for ? 3 years, when compared with nonusers. In addition, metformin may reduce colon cancer risk associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a surrogate for smoking). Conclusions: Following adjustment for potential detection bias and other covariates, diabetes remains a significant risk factor for colon cancer. Metformin may protect against colon cancer. ? 2012 European Society of Endocrinology.
SDGs
Other Subjects
metformin; antidiabetic agent; adult; article; cancer risk; chronic obstructive lung disease; cohort analysis; colon cancer; diabetes mellitus; disease duration; female; human; impaired glucose tolerance; major clinical study; male; population research; priority journal; retrospective study; risk assessment; risk factor; risk reduction; Taiwan; treatment duration; aged; clinical trial; colon tumor; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; health survey; longitudinal study; methodology; middle aged; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; randomized controlled trial; Taiwan; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Colonic Neoplasms; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Metformin; Middle Aged; Population Surveillance; Retrospective Studies; Taiwan
Type
journal article