NEW YORK — A popular breast cancer treatment may pose an increased risk of diabetes among older women, according to a new study.

The research, which was published in the latest issue of Cancer, found that among more than 14,000 breast cancer survivors, ages 65 years and up, 10% were diagnosed with diabetes over a 5-year period. However, the likelihood of developing diabetes was 25% more among those taking breast cancer drug tamoxifen.

Despite the increased risk, the researchers did note that additional factors (i.e., obesity and family history) could influence the increased risk and that the results do not prove that tamoxifen directly causes the development of diabetes. Further investigation is needed to explore the association, the study authors concluded.

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