Vitamin Levels and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): N.J. Wald, J. Boreham, J.L. Hayward, R.D. Bulbrook
Primary Institution: Imperial Cancer Research Fund
Hypothesis
Low plasma concentrations of retinol, beta-carotene, and vitamin E might be associated with subsequent risk of breast cancer.
Conclusion
Low levels of plasma vitamin E are associated with a significantly higher risk of breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Plasma vitamin E levels were significantly lower in women who developed breast cancer compared to controls.
- The risk of breast cancer in women with vitamin E levels in the lowest quintile was about 5 times higher than those in the highest quintile.
- Retinol levels were similar among cases and controls, showing no association with breast cancer risk.
Takeaway
Women with low vitamin E levels are more likely to get breast cancer, while retinol levels don't seem to matter.
Methodology
Plasma samples were collected from 5,004 women, with 39 developing breast cancer and 78 controls, measuring levels of retinol, beta-carotene, and vitamin E.
Limitations
The study is limited by the long interval between blood sample collection and cancer diagnosis, which may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
Women aged between 28 and 75 years from Guernsey.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.025
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