Prevalence and predictors of cancer among diabetic individuals in the United States

The increasing prevalence of diabetes in the United States poses a significant public health issue due to its link with a higher cancer risk. This study utilized data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to ascertain the prevalence of cancer among diabetics and identify key factors affecting this risk. These insights are crucial for crafting effective health interventions to lower the cancer burden. Data from the 2022 BRFSS were analyzed to explore cancer incidence among diabetics in the U.S. With a sample size of 62,689 diabetic individuals, descriptive analyses and survey logistic regression models were used to determine the prevalence and predictors of cancer. The data were recoded based on existing literature, and both unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. The study found a 13.48% cancer prevalence among diabetic patients. Multivariate logistic regression identified several significant cancer predictors. Age was a major factor, with older adults having higher cancer odds (AOR = 4.14; CI 2.95–5.82). Racial disparities were notable, with Non-Hispanic blacks (AOR = 0.56; CI 0.47–0.67) facing higher odds than Non-Hispanic whites. Female gender were also linked to increased cancer odds (AOR= 1.15; CI 1.38–2.72). Individual without depressive disorder have reduced odds of cancer (AOR = 0.81; CI 0.71–0.92). Physical activity was not a statistically significant predictor of cancer among diabetics when adjusting for other variables. The study confirmed a higher prevalence of cancer among diabetics compared to the general population, highlighting the need for integrated healthcare strategies prioritizing regular cancer screening and addressing modifiable risk factors like socioeconomic disparities and mental health. These findings offer a solid foundation for public health interventions aimed at reducing the cancer burden in diabetic populations by targeting modifiable behaviors and social determinants of health.