Prostate cancer tied to higher colorectal cancer risk

(HealthDay)—The risk of colorectal cancer is increased after a diagnosis of prostate cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Cancer.

Danielle Desautels, M.D., from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, and colleagues analyzed data on 14,164 subjects diagnosed with prostate cancer as their first cancer (1987 through 2009) and 69,051 age-matched men with no history of invasive cancer on the prostate cancer diagnosis date. Follow-up lasted until date of diagnosis of colorectal cancer or another cancer, death, emigration, or the study endpoint (Dec. 31, 2009).

The researchers found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer had an increased risk of a subsequent diagnosis of colorectal cancer (all colorectal cancer: hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; rectal cancer: HR, 1.36). There was an increased risk for rectal cancer associated with the treatment of prostate cancer with radiation (HR, 2.06), compared with prostate cancer cases not treated with radiation.

"Colorectal cancer screening should be considered soon after the diagnosis of prostate cancer, especially for men planning for radiotherapy," the authors write.

One author disclosed financial ties to the medical device industry.