The impact of physical disability on the risk of gastric cancer incidence in elderly patients with diabetes: a focus on regional disparity

Abstract

Purpose: Elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may have a higher risk of physical disability. This study investigated the incidence of gastric cancer according to physical disability status in elderly patients with T2DM.

Methods: The National Health Insurance Service claims data were used. A total of 76,162 participants aged 60 years or above, diagnosed with T2DM, were included. The association between physical disability status and gastric cancer incidence was evaluated using the Cox regression analysis. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed according to region.

Results: A total of 9,154 (12.0%) individuals had physical disability. Gastric cancer incidence was more common in participants with physical disability (3.3%) than those without (2.4%). A higher risk of gastric cancer incidence was found in elderly T2DM patients with physical disability (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.18, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.04-1.34). Such tendencies were maintained regardless of region, although the effect of physical disability status on gastric cancer incidence was particularly significant in individuals residing in non-metropolitan areas (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01-1.40).

Conclusion: Elderly patients with T2DM who had physical disability showed a higher risk of gastric cancer incidence. The findings suggest a need to monitor elderly T2DM patients with disability as they may be susceptible to difficulties in accessing cancer-related healthcare.