The Reduction of Cholesterol May Increase Cancer Risks!
More and more we hear conflicting data on both the benefits and the harmful effects of statin drugs like Lipitor®. It’s getting more common to hear of persons taking these drugs who suffer liver problems and muscle weakness. Now a new study points to the possibility that lowering cholesterol in the body may actually contribute to cancer.
The study involved over 41,000 patients and 13 different statin treatments. It was embarked upon by the Tufts-New England Medical Center with results published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC). The main reason for the study was to determine if there was a link between the lowering of LDL Cholesterol and liver and muscle problems.
While a link between LDL lowering and liver or muscle irritation was not found in this study, it was determined that liver toxicity levels increased with higher statin dosage. The researchers did not expect to find the increased cancer risk (one additional incident per 1,000 patients) from low LDL levels, and additional studies have already begun to investigate this potential risk further. Future studies will aim to confirm the risk and to identify whether the risk may be a side effect of statins or just low LDL.
The researchers evaluated change and percentage of change in LDL reduction and the resulting achieved LDL levels in relation to rates of newly diagnosed cancer in each treatment type. They also looked at the relationship between low, intermediate and high doses of statins and rates of newly diagnosed cancer. While they did not find a relationship between percent of change and absolute change in LDL levels, they did observe higher rates of newly diagnosed cancer among patients with lowered LDL levels. The new cancers were not of any specific type or location.
As more emphasis has been placed on the perceived and advertised benefits of lowering cholesterol, there has been increased support for lowering national guidelines for LDL targets and using higher doses of statins to attain them. Given the preliminary findings of this Tufts-New England Medical Center study, lowering of cholesterol levels may take on new concerns as it applies to cancer prevention.
Persons interested in controlling cholesterol now have one more consideration to put into the decision-making process before embarking on a drug solution. It is known that cholesterol levels can be altered through a healthy diet and exercise. Taking a serious look at all of the possible benefits and the potentially harmful effects of statin drugs, and consulting with a number of healthcare professionals, would be the advised course of action for anyone considering taking such a drug.