Iron and cancer risk--a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological evidence

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#epidemiologic-studies #humans #iron-dietary #neoplasms #risk-factors

Iron and cancer risk--a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological evidence

Fonseca-Nunes et al., 2014 | Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Fonseca-Nunes Ana, Jakszyn Paula, Agudo Antonio. Iron and cancer risk--a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological evidence. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014-Jan;23(1):12-31. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-13-0733

Abstract

Iron has been suggested as a risk factor for different types of cancers mainly due to its prooxidant activity, which can lead to oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, subjects with hemochromatosis or iron overload have been shown to have a higher risk of developing liver cancer. We have systematically reviewed 59 epidemiologic studies, published between 1995 and 2012, reporting information on total iron, dietary iron, heme iron, and biomarkers of iron status and cancer risk. Furthermore we conducted meta-analysis for colorectal [relative risk (RR), 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00-1.17], colon (RR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.22), breast (RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.97-1.09), and lung cancer (RR = 1.12; 95% CI, 0.98-1.29), for an increase of 1 mg/day of heme iron intake. Globally, on the basis of the systematic review and the meta-analysis results, a higher intake of heme iron has shown a tendency toward a positive association with cancer risk. Evidence regarding high levels of biomarkers of iron stores (mostly with serum ferritin) suggests a negative effect toward cancer risk. More prospective studies combining research on dietary iron intake, iron biomarkers, genetic susceptibility, and other relevant factors need to be conducted to clarify these findings and better understand the role of iron in cancer development.

Key Findings

More prospective studies combining research on dietary iron intake, iron biomarkers, genetic susceptibility, and other relevant factors need to be conducted to clarify these findings and better understand the role of iron in cancer development.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population hemochromatosis or iron overload
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Epidemiologic Studies
  • Humans
  • Iron, Dietary
  • Neoplasms
  • Risk Factors

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iron

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09