Prediagnostic serum selenium and risk of cancer

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #aged #black-people #female #gastrointestinal-neoplasms

Prediagnostic serum selenium and risk of cancer

Willett et al., 1983 | Lancet | Rct

Citation

Willett W C, Polk B F, ... Hames C G. Prediagnostic serum selenium and risk of cancer. Lancet. 1983-Jul-16;2(8342):130-4

Abstract

Selenium levels in serum samples collected in 1973 from 111 subjects in whom cancer developed during the subsequent 5 years were compared with those in serum samples from 210 cancer-free subjects matched for age, race, sex, and smoking history. The mean selenium level of cases (0.129 +/- SEM 0.002 micrograms/ml) was significantly lower than that of controls (0.136 +/- 0.002 micrograms/ml). The risk of cancer for subjects in the lowest quintile of serum selenium was twice that of subjects in the highest. Multivariate adjustment for geographical area and serum levels of lipids, vitamins A and E, and carotene, did not alter this relation. The association between low selenium level and cancer was strongest for gastrointestinal and prostatic cancers. Serum levels of vitamins A and E compounded the effect of low selenium; relative risks for the lowest tertile of selenium were 2.4 and 3.9 in the lowest tertiles of vitamins E and A, respectively.

Key Findings

Serum levels of vitamins A and E compounded the effect of low selenium; relative risks for the lowest tertile of selenium were 2.4 and 3.9 in the lowest tertiles of vitamins E and A, respectively.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 111
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Black People
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms
  • Prostatic Neoplasms
  • Risk
  • Selenium
  • United States
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • White People
  • Black or African American

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Vertical: selenium-cancer

Provenance

  • PMID: 6134981
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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