Review

Metabolic Syndrome (Mets) and Risk of Colorectal Cancer (CRC): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Maryam Alfa-Wali, Sadie Boniface, Anand Sharma, Paris Tekkis, Allan Hackshaw and Anthony Antoniou
World Journal of Surgical Medical and Radiation Oncology 2015, 4:7

Abstract

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a commonly associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Interest in the relationship between MetS and cancer has been evolving. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between MetS and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Method

Case-control and prospective cohort studies with CRC incidence or mortality in participants with and without MetS were included in the analysis.

Results

Fifteen studies, which reported an association between MetS and CRC, were included. This comprised 12,019 cases of CRC in a total of 739,731 participants. The results showed that MetS confers a significant increase in the risk of CRC incidence (OR 1•52, 95% CI 1•33 - 1•73). When studies that did not adjust for confounders were excluded, the effect estimate was similar (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1•25 - 1•58). MetS is associated with an increased risk (51%) of CRC in both males and females.

Conclusion

It may be beneficial to identify and optimally treat MetS components as part of the screening or preventive measures for risk factor modification of CRC.

Keywords

colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome, risk factors, meta-analysis, systematic review, colon cancer, rectal cancer

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