Does metabolic syndrome increase the risk of bladder cancer?

  Metabolic syndrome (Mets) is coming to the forefront globally and is widely believed to contribute to an increased risk of several cancers, such as urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) . Researchers conducted a study to assess the relationship between Mets and UCB.  The investigators conducted a case-control study of 690 cancer patients and 665 non-cancer matched patients in Italy between 2003-2014. mets should fit at least 3 of the following: abdominal obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Multifactorial logistic regression models were estimated correcting for potential confounders with ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between Mets and UCB’s.  The study data showed a 2-fold increased risk of UCB in Mets compared to non-Mets patients (95% CI:1.38-3.19). The risk of bladder cancer in patients with diabetes OR=2.20 (95% CI:1.42-3.38), bladder cancer risk in patients with hypertension OR=0.88 (95% CI: 0.66-1.17), bladder cancer risk in patients with hypercholesterolemia OR=1.16 (95% CI: 0.80-1.67), and bladder cancer risk in patients with abdominal obesity OR=1.63 (95% CI:1.22-2.19). 2.19). There was no heterogeneity between the case and control groups in terms of gender, age, education, geographic area, and smoking habits. Overall 8.1% (95% CI: 3.9-12.4%) of UCB cases were attributed to Mets. The results of this study support previous studies that Mets increases bladder cancer risk.