Selenium May Reduce Colon Cancer Risk
(HealthDayNews, 11/16/04)

When Elizabeth T. Jacobs of the Arizona Cancer Center, and colleagues, reviewed the data from three trials of colon cancer patients--the Wheat Bran Fiber Trial, the Polyp Prevention Trial and the Polyp Prevention Study--the investigators discovered that having high selenium levels significantly reduced the risk of a subject's colon cancer recurring, as compared with those who were selenium-deficient. Researchers believe that selenium can activate cancer-preventing genes and alter the way the body metabolizes the fatty acids found in red meat. Scientists have noted that selenium intake depends on the concentration of the mineral in local soil and that people who live where amounts are low have an increased risk of colorectal and other malignancies. While the current findings suggest that this trace mineral suppresses colon cancer, Jacobs adds that selenium may protect against lung and prostate cancer as well.

(Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Nov. 17, 2004)