High levels of HDL cholesterol associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer

This study was published in Cancer Causes and Control 2013 Mar 16

 

Study title and authors:

Metabolic factors and breast cancer risk in Korean women.

Noh HM, Song YM, Park JH, Kim BK, Choi YH.

Department of Family Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Irwon-ro 81, Gangnamgu, Seoul, 135-710, South Korea.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23504150

This study evaluated the association between various factors and breast cancer. The study included 270 women with breast cancer and 540 women free from breast cancer.

Regarding high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, the study found that women with HDL cholesterol levels below 1.29 mmol/L (50 mg/dL) had a 10% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women with HDL cholesterol levels above 1.29 mmol/L (50 mg/dL).

The most effective dietary way to raise to raise HDL cholesterol is to consume a diet rich in saturated fat see here, here and here.

High cholesterol levels are associated with a reduced risk of cancer

This study was published in PLoS One 2013;8(1):e54242

 

Study title and authors:

Total serum cholesterol and cancer incidence in the metabolic syndrome and cancer project (me-can).

Strohmaier S, Edlinger M, Manjer J, Stocks T, Bjørge T, Borena W, Häggström C, Engeland A, Nagel G, Almquist M, Selmer R, Tretli S, Concin H, Hallmans G, Jonsson H, Stattin P, Ulmer H.

Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Health Economics, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23372693

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between cholesterol levels and cancer incidence. The study included 289,273 male and 288,057 female participants who were followed for 11.7 years.

The study found:
(a) Men with the highest cholesterol levels had a 6% reduced risk of cancer compared with men with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(b) Men with the highest cholesterol levels had a 86% reduced risk of cancer of the liver/intrahepatic bile duct compared with men with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(c) Men with the highest cholesterol levels had a 48% reduced risk of pancreas cancer compared with men with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(d) Men with the highest cholesterol levels had a 33% reduced risk of non-melanoma skin cancer compared with men with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(e) Men with the highest cholesterol levels had a 32% reduced risk of cancers of the lymph-/hematopoietic tissue compared with men with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(f) Women with the highest cholesterol levels had a 14% reduced risk of cancer compared with women with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(g) Women with the highest cholesterol levels had a 77% reduced risk of gallbladder cancer compared with women with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(h) Women with the highest cholesterol levels had a 30% reduced risk of breast cancer compared with women with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(i) Women with the highest cholesterol levels had a 39% reduced risk of melanoma of skin cancer compared with women with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(j) Women with the highest cholesterol levels had a 39% reduced risk of cancers of the lymph-/hematopoietic tissue compared with women with the lowest cholesterol levels.

The data from the study shows that high cholesterol levels are associated with a reduced risk of cancer.

Low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an elevated risk of death from liver cancer

This study was published in the Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 2013;229(3):203-11

 

Study title and authors:

Low Serum LDL Cholesterol Levels Are Associated with Elevated Mortality from Liver Cancer in Japan: the Ibaraki Prefectural Health Study.

Saito N, Sairenchi T, Irie F, Iso H, Iimura K, Watanabe H, Muto T, Ota H.

Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23445767

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and liver cancer death rates. The study included a total of 16,217 persons (5,551 men and 10,666 women), aged 40-79 years, who were followed for 15 years. The participants were divided into four categories of LDL cholesterol levels.
(i) Less than 80 mg/dL (2.06 mmol/L).
(ii) 80-99 mg/dL (2.06-2.56 mmol/L).
(iii) 100-119 mg/dL (2.57-3.07 mmol/L).
(iv) More than 120 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L).

The study found:
(a) Those with LDL cholesterol levels below 80 mg/dL (2.06 mmol/L) had a 333% increased risk of death from liver cancer compared to those with LDL cholesterol levels of 100-119 mg/dL (2.57-3.07 mmol/L).
(b) Those with LDL cholesterol levels of 80-99 mg/dL (2.06-2.56 mmol/L) had a 3% increased risk of death from liver cancer compared to those with LDL cholesterol levels of 100-119 mg/dL (2.57-3.07 mmol/L).
(c) Those with LDL cholesterol levels above 120 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L) had a 57% REDUCED risk of death from liver cancer compared to those with LDL cholesterol levels of 100-119 mg/dL (2.57-3.07 mmol/L).

The researchers conclude: "Low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with elevated risk of liver cancer mortality".

Low cholesterol levels are associated with an inreased risk of Hodgkin's disease

This study was published in Cancer 1992 Feb 15;69(4):1042-6

Study title and authors:
The prognostic significance of total serum cholesterol in patients with Hodgkin's disease.

Muller CP, Trilling B, Steinke B.
Medizinische Universitätsklinik II, Tübingen, Germany.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1735071

The study investigated the prognostic significance of cholesterol levels at the time of diagnosis in patients with Hodgkin's disease. The study included 179 subjects and age- and sex-matched controls.

The study found:
(a) Cholesterol levels were significantly lower in Hodgkin's patients than in age- and sex-matched controls.
(b) Subgroups of Hodgkin's patients with advanced stages, poor response to therapy, and relapse after complete response had lower cholesterol levels.
(c) The 5-year survival rate was 2.5 times higher in patients with cholesterol levels above 140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L) than in patients with cholesterol levels below 140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L).

The results of the study reveal that low cholesterol levels are associated with an inreased risk of Hodgkin's disease and an higher risk of death in patients with Hodgkin's disease.

Low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of gastric cancer.

This study was published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2012 Oct;27(10):1635-40

 

Study title and authors:

Evaluation of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as a prognostic factor in gastric cancer patients.

Tamura T, Inagawa S, Hisakura K, Enomoto T, Ohkohchi N.

Department of Surgery, Doctoral Program in Clinical Science, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22647147

The study investigated the relationship between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and the risk of gastric cancer. The study included 184 patients who had undergone gastrectomy (gastrectomy is a partial or full surgical removal of the stomach).

The patients were divided into two groups:
(i) Normal levels of HDL cholesterol group.
(ii) Low levels of HDL cholesterol group.

The study found:
(a) In the low HDL cholesterol group the cancer had significantly increased in the lymphatic and vascular systems.
(b) The prognosis of the patients in the normal HDL cholesterol group was significantly better than those in the low HDL cholesterol group.

The results of the study show a correlation between low HDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of gastric cancer.

A diet high in saturated fat raises HDL cholesterol levels. See here here and here.

Cancer patients have low HDL cholesterol levels years before diagnosis - Best way to raise HDL is to eat saturated fat

This study was published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology 2012;59(13s1):E1764-E1764.

HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL AND CANCER INCIDENCE: DATA FROM THE FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY

Paul Michael Lavigne; Haseeb Jafri; Richard Karas

This study can be accessed at: http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1205851
 

This study investigated the association of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels with the incidence of cancer. The study included 201 cases of cancer and 402 matched controls. Their HDL cholesterol levels were measured at four time points throughout an average of 18.7 years prior to diagnosis of cancer.

 

The study found that HDL cholesterol levels were lower in cancer subjects than matched controls at each point of assessment throughout the 18.7 years prior to diagnosis.

 

The best way to raise your HDL cholesterol levels is to consume a diet rich in saturated fat, see here.

High cholesterol significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer

This study was published in Ethnicty and Disease 2012 Summer;22(3):281-7

Study title and authors:
Cholesterol, lipoproteins, and breast cancer risk in African American women.

Llanos AA, Makambi KH, Tucker CA, Wallington SF, Shields PG, Adams-Campbell LL.
Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22870570

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and the risk of breast cancer. The study included 97 African American women with breast cancer and 102 control subjects.

The study found:
(a) Higher levels of cholesterol were associated with a 54% reduction in breast cancer risk.
(b) Higher levels of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were associated with a 59% reduction in breast cancer risk.
(c) Lower levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were associated with a 99% increase in breast cancer risk.

The data from the study demonstrates significant reductions in breast cancer risk with high levels of total cholesterol & LDL cholesterol and significant increase in risk when HDL cholesterol levels are low.

Low cholesterol associated with hepatitis C related liver cancer

This study was published in the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association Journal 2010 Nov;12(9):625-36

 

Study title and authors:

Evidence of aberrant lipid metabolism in hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Wu JM, Skill NJ, Maluccio MA.

Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. jw17@iupui.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20961371

The association of cholesterol levels with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) was assessed in 73 patients with HCV-associated cirrhosis and cancer and 103 normal controls.

The study found that the cholesterol levels of the patients with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV-related liver cancer were 19% lower than the normal controls.

High cholesterol levels reduce the risk of stomach cancer

This study was published in Acta Oncologica 1988;27(1):39-42

Study title and authors:
Risk of stomach cancer in association with serum cholesterol and beta-lipoprotein.

Törnberg SA, Carstensen JM, Holm LE.
Department of General Oncology, Karolinska Sjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3365353

Beta-lipoprotein equates to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

This study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels, beta-lipoprotein levels and the risk of stomach cancer. The study included 92,710 individuals who were followed for 18 years.

The study found:
(a) For every 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L) increase in cholesterol there was a 15% reduced risk of stomach cancer.
(b) Increased levels of beta-lipoprotein were associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer.

The results of the study show that higher levels of cholesterol are associated with a reduced risk of stomach cancer.

High cholesterol helps the elderly with high blood pressure to live a longer life

This study was published in the Journal of Hypertension 1990 Aug;8(8):755-61

Study title and authors:

Is a high serum cholesterol level associated with longer survival in elderly hypertensives?

Staessen J, Amery A, Birkenhäger W, Bulpitt C, Clement D, de Leeuw P, Deruyttere M, De Schaepdryver A, Dollery C, Fagard R, et al.

Klinisch Laboratorium Hypertensie, Inwendige Geneeskunde-Cardiologie, U.Z. Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2170516

The study, which lasted over three years, investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates in 822 elderly patients with high blood pressure.

The study found:
(a) The patients who had the highest cholesterol levels lived the longest.
(b) The patients who had the highest cholesterol levels had the lowest amount of deaths from cancer.

The results of the study show that high cholesterol levels are correlated with longer survival in elderly patients with high blood pressure.

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in death rates especially from cancer
Analysis of 519,643 people reveals low cholesterol increases the risk of dying from pancreatic cancer by 27%
Low cholesterol is an independent risk factor for developing gastric cancer

Low cholesterol levels increase the risk of death from stroke, cancer and all-causes

This study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 1995 Jun 28;273(24):1926-32

Study title and authors:
Serum total cholesterol and mortality. Confounding factors and risk modification in Japanese-American men.

Iribarren C, Reed DM, Burchfiel CM, Dwyer JH.
Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7783302

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates due to major causes. The study included 7,049 middle-aged men who were followed for 23 years.

The study found:
(a) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 141% increased risk of death from hemorrhagic stroke compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).
(b) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 41% increased risk of death from cancer compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).
(c) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 23% increased risk of death compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).

The results of the study show that middle-aged men with low cholesterol are at greater risk of death from stroke, cancer and all-causes compared to men with higher cholesterol.

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol levels lead to a 20.2% increase in death rates in those who have had a stroke
Low cholesterol leads to increased cancer rates
Low cholesterol levels lead to increased cancer and death rates

Low cholesterol is an independent risk factor for developing gastric cancer

This study was published in the International Journal of Cancer 2008 Feb 15;122(4):909-14

 

Study title and authors:

Impact of serum total cholesterol on the incidence of gastric cancer in a population-based prospective study: the Hisayama study.

Asano K, Kubo M, Yonemoto K, Doi Y, Ninomiya T, Tanizaki Y, Arima H, Shirota T, Matsumoto T, Iida M, Kiyohara Y.

Department of Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. k-asano@intmed2.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17957783

This study examined the association between cholesterol levels and the incidence of gastric cancer. The study included 2,604 subjects aged 40 years or older were followed for 14 years.

The study found:
(a) Men with the lowest cholesterol (under 4.42 mmol/L or 171 mg/dL) had a 78% increased risk of developing gastric cancer compared with men with the highest cholesterol (over 5.77 mmol/L or 223 mg/dL).
(b) Women with the lowest cholesterol (under 4.78 mmol/L or 184 mg/dL) had a 68% increased risk of developing gastric cancer compared with women with the highest cholesterol (over 6.26 mmol/L or 242 mg/dL).

The findings of the study suggest that low cholesterol is an independent risk factor for developing gastric cancer.