By Elodie Vaz | Published on May 11,
2026 | 4 min read
Cardio-kidney-metabolic
syndrome (CKM) refers to the coexistence of cardiovascular, renal, and
metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. Long studied primarily
through the lens of cardiovascular risk, this syndrome is now increasingly
recognized as a systemic condition affecting multiple organs throughout the
body. It is already well established that CKM significantly increases the risk
of mortality and disability related to heart disease and stroke. However, its
consequences extend far beyond the cardiovascular system, with documented links
to kidney failure, dementia, fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.
According to data from
the American Heart Association, nearly 90% of American adults exhibit at least
one factor within the CKM spectrum, such as hypertension, lipid abnormalities,
hyperglycemia, excess weight, or impaired kidney function.
Exploring the link
between CKM and cancer
In this context, a study
published on April 27 in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes
investigated a question that has received little attention so far: the
association between CKM syndrome and cancer risk. More specifically, the
researchers sought to determine whether progression of the syndrome—classified
into different stages of severity—could be correlated with an increased
oncological risk.
As Professor Hidehiro
Kaneko, the study’s lead author, explained in a press release: “The findings of
the study suggest that it is important to consider not only the risk of
cardiovascular disease but also the risk of cancer in people with CKM
syndrome.”
To reach these
conclusions, the University of Tokyo research team analyzed national healthcare
reimbursement data from nearly 1.4 million individuals. Each participant was
categorized according to American Heart Association recommendations, which
define five stages of CKM syndrome, ranging from stage 0 (absence of risk
factors) to stage 4 (established cardiovascular disease).
Participants were then
followed for a median duration of approximately 3.5 years in order to identify
the occurrence of new cancer diagnoses. This longitudinal approach enabled
researchers to closely evaluate how cancer risk evolved alongside syndrome progression.
A marked increase in
advanced stages
The results revealed a
significant increase in cancer risk as CKM syndrome progressed, although the
rise remained relatively modest during the early stages. Compared with individuals
without risk factors (stage 0), the risk of developing cancer increased by:
- 3% at stage 1
- 2% at stage 2
- 25% at stage 3
- 30% at stage 4
These findings highlight
a critical threshold beginning at stage 3, where the accumulation of
dysfunctions appears to play a decisive role.
According to Professor
Hidehiro Kaneko, “CKM syndrome represents a complex interaction between the
cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic systems, in which dysfunction in one
domain can trigger or worsen dysfunction in another.” He added: “Dysfunction in
each of these systems is independently associated with cancer risk due to
shared risk factors. This study suggests that the accumulation of risk factors
within CKM syndrome may contribute to the development of various types of
cancer.”
Toward an integrated
cardio-oncology approach
These findings align with
a broader understanding of the interactions between chronic diseases. As
Professor Tochukwu Okwuosa noted: “The study highlights this bidirectional
relationship and underscores the concept of reverse cardio-oncology, whereby
cardiovascular disease and its risk factors also increase cancer risk.”
This perspective opens
new possibilities for prevention and screening. CKM syndrome classification
could become a valuable clinical tool for identifying high-risk patients and
guiding oncological surveillance strategies.
The study nevertheless
presents certain limitations, particularly its focus on a Japanese population,
which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. However, consistency
with previous research suggests that similar associations may be observed in
other populations.
Looking ahead, a better
understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms—such as chronic
inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation—could help pave the
way for targeted therapeutic approaches at the intersection of cardiology,
nephrology, and oncology.
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About the Author – Elodie Vaz
Health journalist, CFPJ graduate (2023).
Élodie explores the marks diseases leave on bodies and, more broadly, on
human life. A registered nurse since 2010, she spent twelve years at patients’
bedsides before exchanging her stethoscope for a notebook. She now investigates
the links between environment and health, convinced that the vitality of life
cannot be reduced to that of humans 
