Abstract PR-04: Blood lipid and lipoprotein levels and the risk of colorectal cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition

Abstract

Abstract Background: Blood lipids and lipoproteins may affect colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but results are inconsistent. We examined the relation between serum levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, apo lipoprotein A–I (apoA), apo lipoprotein B and the incidence of CRC. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). A total of 1238 first primary incident colorectal cancer cases were matched to 1238 controls by age, gender, center, time of blood collection and fasting status. Serum levels were quantitatively determined by a colorimetric method. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: After adjustments, levels of HDL and apoA were inversely associated with colon cancer risk (RR for one standard deviation increase of 0.43 mmol/L in HDL and 0.32 g/L in apoA (95% CI) = 0.78 (0.68–0.89); p<0.01 and 0.82 (0.72–0.94); p<0.01, respectively) and with distal cancer risk (0.79 (0.65–0.96); p=0.02 and 0.83 (0.69–1.01); p=0.07, respectively). Although only slightly weaker, associations with proximal colon cancer risk were not statistically significant (0.82 (0.65–1.03); p=0.09 and 0.86 (0.68–1.07); p=0.18, respectively). Inclusion of other biomarkers or exclusion of the first 2 years of follow-up did not influence the association between HDL and colon cancer risk. No association was observed for rectal cancer risk. Conclusion: These findings suggest that high HDL levels may decrease colon cancer risk. The mechanism behind this association should be further investigated. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):PR-04.