Metabolic link to cancer

Metabolic disorders such as obesity, high blood pressure and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases have been linked to an increased risk of developing bowel cancer.


An Australian study points to a growing concern that metabolic syndrome – the cluster of risk factors that together increase a person’s risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes — can also cause cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest and fourth most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with more than 15,000 people diagnosed each year, including about 1700 people under the age of 50.

Metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides or LDL cholesterol, low levels of HDL cholesterol and insulin resistance, is increasingly common in Australia and affects more than 35% of adults, which is higher than the rate of diabetes.

Flinders University researchers reviewed data from 49 systematic reviews and meta-analysis to determine the association between metabolic health conditions, including metabolic syndrome, and the risk of bowel cancer.

The study found that metabolic risk factors that were the hallmark of metabolic syndrome such as obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and low levels of HDL cholesterol were consistently linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer.

Lead author and PhD student Meseret Molla said that as the global incidence of bowel cancer continued to rise, especially in younger adults, the findings highlighted the need for ongoing research.

“Our study supports the assertion that metabolic health conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance and high blood pressure put people at a higher risk of bowel cancer,” Mr Molla said.

“While we encourage the uptake of the bowel cancer screening test, we’d also like to see people checking up on their metabolic health.

“A simple annual blood test with your GP could flag some potential markers for future risk of bowel disease, such as high cholesterol, before they develop into something more onerous.”