High calcium levels linked to fatal prostate cancer

Posted on 2008-09-05 07:26:58 in Cancer | Diagnostics |

Men with high blood levels of calcium have a significantly increased risk of developing fatal prostate cancer, new research suggests.

The study of nearly three thousand men revealed that those with the highest levels of calcium in their blood were 2.68 times more likely to develop fatal prostate cancer than men with the lowest levels of calcium. The association remained even after the researchers took into consideration major risk factors for prostate cancer – age, weight, race, and family history. Blood calcium levels did not have a predictive effect upon non-fatal prostate cancers.

The data on blood calcium levels was determined an average of 9.9 years before the diagnosis of prostate cancer was made, thus suggesting that a simple blood test may identify men that are at high risk of developing the disease.

At present it is unclear whether it is calcium itself or parathyroid hormone, which regulates blood calcium levels, that plays a role in the pathology of the disease.

Skinner HG, Schwartz GG. Serum Calcium and Incident and Fatal Prostate Cancer in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008;17:2302-2305.

 


Health Headlines

Tests Pinpoint Dementia Onset
Language and memory tests can reliably predict when a healthy elderly person is likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia
Investigating A Causal Link Between Gut Bacteria and Breast Cancer
Rush University Medical Center (USA) embarks on a research study to ascertain how microbial imbalances may impact diseases such as breast cancer.
Walnuts Improve Blood Markers of Diabetes
Yale University researchers report improved function of the blood vessel lining and reduced cholesterol levels in diabetics who consume walnuts daily.
Exercise Slashes Odds of Early Death from Heart Disease
Routine moderate exercise can reduce the risk of premature death in people with heart problems by up to 60%.
Common Sweetener Raises Blood Pressure
Added as a sweetener to many processed foods and beverages, fructose (also known as high fructose corn syrup), may increase blood pressure.
Skip the Salt and Diet Soda to Save Your Kidneys
Diets high in sodium and artificially sweetened soda linked to kidney function decline.
Antioxidants May Combat Influenza Virus
Antioxidant compounds retard the ability of influenza virus to damage a key protein in lungs
Nerve Regeneration Possible in Spinal Cord Injury
Studying an animal model of spinal cord injury, UCSD researchers report successful regeneration of nerve cells even when treatment is delayed.
26 Million Americans Have Diabetes
Gallup Survey finds that 11.3% of American adults have diabetes, and the trend upwards is projected to continue unless aggressive interventions are implemented.
The American Sleep Crisis
More than 11% of American adults surveyed say they failed to enjoy a day in the previous month where they got enough sleep.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Bio-Identical Hormone
          Replacement

Dr. Sangeeta Pati, one of the world’s foremost educators and practicing physicians in the field of HRT shared “The Nuts and Bolts of Hormone Restoration” via webinar. View the Webinar.

International Events
See all events »