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Published on: September 15, 2023
Long-term cancer risk in acromegaly: a population-based cohort study with 44 years of follow-up
Christian Rosendal1, Mai Christiansen Arlien-Søborg2, Marianne Skovsager Andersen3
1Department of Endocrinology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark.
European Journal of Endocrinology
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Acromegaly patients face a higher risk of colorectal cancer, though overall cancer risk and cancer-specific mortality remain unchanged. This study highlights the need for vigilance regarding colorectal health in acromegaly management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cancer risk in acromegaly is a subject of ongoing debate.
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding cancer incidence in acromegaly patients.
- This study investigates cancer and benign colorectal lesion risks in acromegaly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the nationwide risk of cancer in acromegaly patients.
- To evaluate the incidence of benign colorectal lesions in individuals with acromegaly.
- To compare cancer and colorectal lesion risks between acromegaly patients and the general population.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide cohort study in Denmark (1977-2021) included 809 biochemically validated acromegaly patients and 80,900 matched controls.
- Follow-up median was 12.2 years, investigating cancer diagnoses, benign colorectal lesions, colonoscopies, and mortality.
- Time-to-event statistics and logistic regression were employed for analysis.
Main Results:
- Acromegaly patients showed an increased risk of colorectal cancer (IRR: 1.78) and thyroid cancer (IRR: 3.68).
- Colorectal cancers were more frequently localized in acromegaly patients, with increased endoscopic procedures.
- Benign colorectal lesions, particularly tubular adenomas and hyperplastic polyps, were elevated (IRR: 2.32).
- All-cause mortality was higher (IRR: 1.18), but cancer-specific mortality was not significantly increased.
Conclusions:
- Acromegaly is associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer.
- Overall cancer risk and cancer-specific mortality are not significantly increased in acromegaly patients.
- The findings underscore the importance of monitoring for colorectal cancer in acromegaly management.
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