Selenium in Toenails and Bladder Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Michaud D S, De Vivo I, Morris J S, Giovannucci E
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Is there an association between toenail selenium concentrations and bladder cancer risk in men and women?
Conclusion
Higher toenail selenium concentrations are linked to a lower risk of bladder cancer in women, but not in men.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with higher toenail selenium levels had a significantly lower risk of bladder cancer.
- The strongest association was found among past smokers.
- Men did not show a significant association between toenail selenium and bladder cancer risk.
Takeaway
This study found that women with higher levels of selenium in their toenails were less likely to get bladder cancer, but this wasn't the case for men.
Methodology
A nested case-control study using toenail samples from two large cohorts, the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and the Nurses' Health Study.
Potential Biases
The study may have biases related to self-reported cancer diagnoses and smoking status.
Limitations
Possible measurement error in toenail selenium concentrations may have affected results, especially in men.
Participant Demographics
The study included 338 bladder cancer cases (222 men and 116 women) and 341 matched controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
0.04–0.74
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website