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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Moving ahead in diabetics' cancer screening; food for thought from the Hellenic experience
I Karathanasi1, K Kamposioras, I Cortinovis
1Department Of Endocrinology, Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Although data from literature suggest that diabetic women are frequently under screened for gynaecological cancers little is known about screening implementation for other cancers for both genders. This study investigates comprehensive cancer screening practices of diabetics as compared with non-diabetics; analyses screening patterns both by gender and level of evidence and reveals target subgroups that should be paid more attention for screening implementation. 675 diabetics vs. 5772 non-diabetic Greek individuals entered the PACMeR 02 cancer screening study. Diabetic women reported significantly lower performance for the sex-specific evidence-based cancer screening tests and digital rectal examination (DRE) as compared with non-diabetics (P < 0.05). Diabetic women older than 60 years old, of elementary education, housewives and farmers showed the lowest performance rates (P < 0.01). Prostate cancer screening was higher among diabetic men with ultrasound and DRE reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05). Subgroups analysis did not reveal a hidden relationship. Both genders of diabetics reported never performing skin examination at higher rates (P < 0.001), although screening intent is extremely low in both diabetics and non-diabetics (<1%). Evidence-based screening coverage was inconsistent in both genders independently by the diabetic status. Primary care efforts should be provided to implement presymptomatic cancer control.
Insights
Diabetic women show lower cancer screening rates, particularly for gynecological cancers. Diabetic men have higher prostate cancer screening, but both groups neglect skin exams, highlighting a need for improved cancer screening in primary care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic individuals often have suboptimal screening for gynecological cancers.
- Limited data exists on comprehensive cancer screening practices for diabetics across genders.
- Understanding screening disparities is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cancer screening practices between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
- To analyze screening patterns by gender and identify at-risk subgroups.
- To inform primary care strategies for presymptomatic cancer control.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study (PACMeR 02) involving 675 diabetics and 5772 non-diabetics in Greece.
- Comparison of evidence-based cancer screening test utilization between groups.
- Stratified analysis by gender, age, education, and occupation.
Main Results:
- Diabetic women exhibited significantly lower screening rates for sex-specific tests and digital rectal examination (DRE) compared to non-diabetics.
- Older diabetic women (over 60), with elementary education, housewives, and farmers showed the lowest screening performance.
- Diabetic men had higher rates of prostate cancer screening (ultrasound, DRE); however, both genders reported low skin examination rates.
- Screening intent was very low (<1%) across all participants, irrespective of diabetic status.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic women require targeted interventions to improve screening for gynecological cancers.
- Primary care should focus on enhancing cancer screening uptake in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations.
- Addressing socioeconomic factors and promoting screening intent are vital for comprehensive cancer control.
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