Search

Geophagy or Pica is the unintentional traditional behavior of eating soil by indigenous people in different countries. practiced in many countries due to nausea among pregnant women and mineral deficiencies without knowing the associated health risks. In this study the mineral composition of geophagic soil and its associated health risk among consumers was determined. Dry soil sticks consumed by women were obtained from open markets in Morogoro, Njombe and Mwanza regions in Tanzania. The elemental concentration of geophagic soil was analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. Health risk assessment methods were used to obtain health information after chronic exposure to geophagic soils. The tests used were Target Hazard Quotients (THQ), Total Target Hazard Quotients (TTHQ) and Cancer Risks (CR). The concentration range of metals in samples obtained from three different regions were 16,335.7–47,773.7 mg/kg for Fe, 46.2–1073.5 mg/kg for Ca, 155.3–514.9 mg/kg for K, 44.5–112.4 mg/kg for Zn, 40.7–95.1 mg/kg for Na, 2.4–66.7 mg/kg for Cu, 109.5–572.6 mg/kg for Mn, 3.8–6.85 mg/kg for Pb, 3.1–93 mg/kg for Ni, 62.7–638.6 mg/kg for Cr and 0.4 mg/kg for Cd. The Provisional Daily Intake (PDI), THQ, TTHQ and CR ranged between 3.0 × 10−3 –34.12 mg/kg/day bw, 0.043–48.75, 34.52–77.36 and 2.55×10−5- 0.23 respectively. The TTHQ>1 was evident for metals in all sampling sites which is indicative of non-carcinogenic health effects. Prolonged exposure to Pb at low concentrations in samples from all the sites can cause pathological effects. The cancer risk values for Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd were

Objective: The present study aimed at investigating the probable health risk associated with potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in irrigable wetland soils from Ogun and Lagos states, Southwestern Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 36 composite soil samples were collected from twelve monitoring sites and analyzed for potentially toxic metals [cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)] using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. PTM data underwent inferential and descriptive statistical analysis using IBM SPSS. Health risk indices were assessed for hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) using the standard method. Ecological and pollution risks were also assessed. Results: Fe (1465±977 to 47,785±12,049 mg kg−1) was the most abundant metal observed in irrigable wetland soils. The distribution pattern of PTMs in irrigable wetland soils followed the decreasing order of Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd. The pollution index risk indicated values greater than 1.0 for Cd (2.43–133), Zn (1.60–6.32), Cu (1.49–5.89), and Pb (1.15–2.94). Cadmium indicated a considerable ecological risk index (4002), a moderate-to-high pollution level according to the Nemerov integrated pollution index (12.33), and a very high enrichment factor (14.1–227). The HQs of PTMs were generally less than 1.0 for adults, while a HI greater than 1.0 was observed for children. The CRs exceeding the threshold limit of 1.0 × 10−4 were observed for Co, Cd, Cr, and Ni [at one or more sampling sites] in the wetland soils exposed to by adults and children. Conclusion: In this study, the irrigated wetland soils showed high ecological, pollution, and carcinogenic risks of Cd, particularly at the Odo Aro monitoring site. The findings from the study could offer a theoretical basis and data support for pollution monitoring, assessment, and control in the study area.

The relevance of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) to health and the environment is widely known. Long-term studies are necessary for understanding current and future trends in air quality management. This study aimed to assess the long-term PM concentration in the Magdalena department (Colombia). It focused on the following aspects: i) spatiotemporal patterns, ii) correlation with meteorology, iii) compliance with standards, iv) temporal trends over time, v) impact on health, and vi) impact of policy management. Fifteen stations from 2003 to 2021 were analyzed. Spearman-Rho and Mann-Kendall methods were used to correlate concentration with meteorology. The temporal and five-year moving trends were determined, and the trend magnitude was calculated using Teil-Sen. Acute respiratory infection odd ratios and risk of cancer associated with PM concentration were used to assess the impact on health. The study found that the maximum PM10 concentration was 194.5 μg/m3, and the minimum was 3 μg/m3. In all stations, a negative correlation was observed between PM10 and atmospheric water content, while the wind speed and temperature showed a positive correlation. The global trends indicated an increasing value, with five fluctuations in five-year moving trends, consistent with PM sources and socio-economic behavior. PM concentrations were found to comply with national standard; however, the results showed a potential impact on population health. The management regulation had a limited impact on increasing concentration. Considering that national regulations tend to converge towards WHO standards, the study area must create a management program to ensure compliance.

Objective: To characterize inaccurate and accurate beliefs about cancer risk factors held among Spanish-preferring adults in the United States. Methods: From a national probability panel, we surveyed 196 Hispanic adults who prefer completing questionnaires in Spanish. We also used data from a representative sample of 1200 adults in the US to compare belief acceptance. Results: Many less accepted accurate beliefs about cancer risk factors related to topics like fruit/vegetable consumption, weight loss, and alcohol use. Several inaccurate beliefs were widely held, with some being more accepted in the Spanish-preferring sample than the general US adult sample. Higher levels of self-reported media literacy and information scanning associated with more acceptance of both accurate and inaccurate beliefs. Access to the internet at home associated with discernment between accurate and inaccurate beliefs about cancer risk factors. Conclusion: Acceptance of accurate beliefs and rejection of inaccurate beliefs varied across potential cancer risk factors. Future Spanish-language public health messaging should address these belief inconsistencies when providing up-to-date cancer-related recommendations or correcting inaccurate information in the public communication environment. Innovation: Our study provides comprehensive information about cancer beliefs among Spanish-preferring adults in the United States, which was not previously available, and find that media literacy is a concept likely to be important to consider when putting together intervention tools to combat misinformation.

The consumption of metal-contaminated offal of animals will affect the health of humans. Thus, the research determined the concentrations of heavy metals in the offal and muscle tissues of cows, goats, and ram slaughtered at the main abattoir in Lokoja, northcentral Nigeria. Furthermore, an evaluation was carried out to assess the potential health hazards faced by the indigenous population due to the consumption of heavy metals from these animals. The mean concentrations of metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) in the kidney, liver, and muscle of cows, goats, and rams were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Estimated daily intake of the metals, hazard quotient, hazard index, and cancer risk were calculated. All internal organs had Ni levels above the regulatory threshold limit. The average concentration of Pb in the muscle tissue and liver of the tested animals exceeded the permissible limits by the WHO. Similarly, the concentration of Cd in the muscle tissues was above the Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL) of 0.05 mg kg−1. Except for cow kidneys, all internal organs contain Cr levels below the MPL (1.0) limit. The THQ value for the metals was < 1 except Cd. It indicates potential health risks due to Cd. The calculated HI values were > 1. The percentage contribution of Cd to the HI value was the highest. The observed sequence is Cd > Ni > Cr > Pb > Al. The results show that eating the offal and muscle under investigation has a carcinogenic effect.

Extensive research has established the benefits of incorporating low carbohydrate diets (LCDs) for managing obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (Mets). Recent findings indicate that LCDs could additionally impact cancer development and progression by creating an unfavorable metabolic micro-environment that promotes reprogrammed metabolism in cancer cells. This has led to LCDs being considered as a possible complementary treatment for cancer. Our review specifically examines the association between cancer risk, consumption of dietary carbohydrate, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL), with a focus on prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer. We also explore relevant mechanism underlying the potential anti-tumor effects of LCD diets, especially in gut microbiota modulation. However, findings in this area remain controversial, and further research is needed to evaluate their application in clinical practice. On the other hand, resistant starch (RS) has gained attention as a healthy and high-quality component of carbohydrate diets. It not only serves as a dietary fiber but also acts as a valuable source of prebiotics due to its ability to influence gut microbial composition, leading to improved metabolic control. This has positioned RS as a potential means for preventing and treating cancer. In this review, we also summarized the RS-gut microbiota-cancer risk axis to enhance our understanding of the health effects of RS consumption. From a clinical perspective, RS supplementation shows promise as a strategy for preventing diseases and managing cancer. It is evident that simply assessing the quantity of dietary carbohydrate intake may not be enough to determine cancer risk; the quality of carbohydrates should also be considered to draw definitive conclusions which will help clinician and nutritionist make a reasonable choice in management cancer.

Objectives: The association of the dietary inflammatory potential with cancer risk remains uncertain. We examined the relationship of the dietary inflammatory potential with risk of overall and site-specific cancers and explored its sex and age differences. Design: A community-based longitudinal study. Setting: Participants from the UK Biobank completed baseline surveys during 2006–2010 and were followed for up to 15 years to detect incident cancer. Participants: 170,899 cancer-free participants with dietary data available (mean age: 55.73 ± 7.95, 54.10% female). Measurements: At baseline, dietary intake was assessed with a 24-h dietary record for up to 5 times. The inflammatory diet index (IDI) was calculated to assess the dietary inflammatory potential as a weighted sum of 31 food groups (including 14 anti-inflammatory and 17 pro-inflammatory) based on plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, and tertiled as low (indicating low-inflammatory diet), moderate, and high IDI (as reference). Overall and site-specific cancers were ascertained via linkage to routine hospital admission, cancer registry, and death certificate data. Data were analyzed using Cox regression and Laplace regression. Results: During the follow-up (median 10.32 years, interquartile range: 9.95–11.14 years), 18,884 (11.05%) participants developed cancer. In multi-adjusted Cox regression, low IDI scores were associated with decreased risk of rectal cancer (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval, CI] 0.76 [0.61, 0.94]), thyroid cancer [0.45 (0.27, 0.74)], lung cancer [0.73 (0.61, 0.88)]. However, the association between IDI score and the risk of overall cancer was not significant. Laplace regression analysis showed that 10th percentile differences (95% CIs) of cancer onset time for participants with low IDI scores was prolonged by 1.29 (0.32, 2.27), 1.44 (0.58, 2.30), and 2.62 (0.98, 4.27) years for rectal cancer, thyroid cancer, and lung cancer, respectively, compared to those with high IDI scores. Stratified analysis revealed that low IDI scores were associated with a lower risk of rectal cancer (p interaction between IDI score and sex = 0.035) and lung cancer in males, but not in females, and with a reduced risk of thyroid cancer in females, but not in males. Moreover, low IDI scores were associated with a reduced risk of rectal cancer and lung cancer in the participants aged ≥60 years, but not in those

Background: Although poor oral health and several lifestyle factors have been found to be associated with cancer risk, their joint relationship has rarely been studied. Methods: We prospectively examined the associations of oral health and healthy lifestyle factors with cancer risk among 0.5 million rural and urban residents from the China Kadoorie Biobank (2004–2015). Oral health status was assessed from self-reported baseline questionnaires. A healthy lifestyle index comprising non-smoking, non-drinking, ideal body shape, physical activity and healthy diet was calculated for each participant, and categorized into favorable, intermediate and unfavorable lifestyle behavior. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) relating oral health and healthy lifestyle index to cancer risk using Cox proportional hazards models. We estimated the population attributable risk percent (PAR%) and 95% CIs using multivariate models. Results: During a median follow-up of 9 years, 23,805 new cancer cases were documented, with 52% from rural areas and 48% from urban areas. Compared with those with good oral health and favorable lifestyle, participants with poor oral health and unfavorable lifestyle had a higher risk of developing cancer in both rural (adjusted HR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.39–1.74]; P for trend < 0.001) and urban areas (adjusted HR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.24–1.67]; P for trend < 0.001). A significant multiplicative interaction between oral health and healthy lifestyle index on cancer risk was found in rural residents (P for interaction = 0.004) rather than in urban residents (P for interaction = 0.973). Assuming poor oral health as an additional risk factor, the PAR% of total cancer increased by 3.0% and 1.1% for participants with intermediate lifestyle and unfavorable lifestyle, respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggest a joint effect of oral health and common lifestyle factors on cancer risk. Promotion of healthy lifestyle by integration of good oral health would be beneficial to consider in cancer prevention strategies.

Background: Non-exercise estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (NEE-CRF) has been shown to be associated with mortality, although its association with cancer incidence is unknown. The study aimed to assess the prospective association between NEE-CRF and cancer incidence in a large cohort of men and women. Methods: The National Institutes of Health-American Association of Retired Persons diet and health study is a prospective cohort that included 402,548 participants aged 50–71 years who were free from cancer at baseline (1995–1996) (men (n = 238,835) and women (n = 163,713)) and were followed until December 31, 2015. The exposure variable was NEE-CRF expressed in metabolic equivalents. NEE-CRF was estimated using a validated equation of self-reported predictors on demographics and lifestyle behaviors derived from baseline questionnaires. Primary outcomes were total cancer incidence and incidence of prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal cancers. Cox proportional hazards models were analyzed for the association between NEE-CRF and cancer incidence outcomes adjusted for established cancer risk factors. Results: During 13.7 ± 3.2 years of follow-up (mean ± SD), 64,344 men and 31,315 women developed a new cancer. For every 1-metabolic equivalent higher NEE-CRF, the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were 0.96 (95%CI: 0.94–0.97) and 0.88 (95%CI: 0.84–0.92) of total and colorectal cancer incidence among men, and 0.95 (95%CI: 0.93–0.97) and 0.94 (95%CI: 0.91–0.97) of total and breast cancer incidence among women, respectively (all p < 0.001). NEE-CRF was not associated with incidence of prostate and lung cancers in men or colorectal and lung cancers in women. Conclusion: These results suggest that higher CRF levels, as assessed by the applied non-exercise estimated method, may provide preventive benefits against the development of cancer, while low CRF could potentially serve as a modifiable cancer risk factor. Integrating NEE-CRF into screening paradigms and referring low-fit individuals to improve CRF could complement the public health prevention strategy against cancer.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface sediments of the Pasur river estuary was investigated to assess its distribution, potential sources, and current dangers to ecological and public health. The Pasur River is a tidal, meandering, perennial river in south-western Bangladesh with a considerable number of fisheries and industrial activities. Sediment samples were collected from seven sampling points from January to December 2022 to assess the contamination level of six potentially toxic elements (Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Cu and Zn). Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was utilized to detect the concentration of PTEs by following some sequential analytical procedure. Concentration of PTEs followed the reducing trend of Zn > Cr > Pb > As > Cu > Cd with the mean value of 61.04 > 49.15 > 26.58 > 10.28 > 6.28 > 1.59 mg/kg, respectively. The principle component and cluster analyses justified the anthropogenic source of the studied PTEs. The mean values of contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EFc) showed that Pb and Cd were highly responsible for sediment (uncontaminated to moderate) contamination. Pollution load index (PLI) indicated higher pollution of sediments near the port areas. Potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated low to moderate risks due to the contaminated sediment. However, the contamination of sediment was not associated with the non-carcinogenic (HQderm and HI

Summary: Background: Tobacco is the main risk factor for developing lung cancer. Yet, while some heavy smokers develop lung cancer at a young age, other heavy smokers never develop it, even at an advanced age, suggesting a remarkable variability in the individual susceptibility to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco. We characterized the germline profile of subjects presenting these extreme phenotypes with Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Machine Learning (ML). Methods: We sequenced germline DNA from heavy smokers who either developed lung adenocarcinoma at an early age (extreme cases) or who did not develop lung cancer at an advanced age (extreme controls), selected from databases including over 6600 subjects. We selected individual coding genetic variants and variant-rich genes showing a significantly different distribution between extreme cases and controls. We validated the results from our discovery cohort, in which we analysed by WES extreme cases and controls presenting similar phenotypes. We developed ML models using both cohorts. Findings: Mean age for extreme cases and controls was 50.7 and 79.1 years respectively, and mean tobacco consumption was 34.6 and 62.3 pack-years. We validated 16 individual variants and 33 variant-rich genes. The gene harbouring the most validated variants was HLA-A in extreme controls (4 variants in the discovery cohort, p = 3.46E-07; and 4 in the validation cohort, p = 1.67E-06). We trained ML models using as input the 16 individual variants in the discovery cohort and tested them on the validation cohort, obtaining an accuracy of 76.5% and an AUC-ROC of 83.6%. Functions of validated genes included candidate oncogenes, tumour-suppressors, DNA repair, HLA-mediated antigen presentation and regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation and immune response. Interpretation: Individuals presenting extreme phenotypes of high and low risk of developing tobacco-associated lung adenocarcinoma show different germline profiles. Our strategy may allow the identification of high-risk subjects and the development of new therapeutic approaches. Funding: See a detailed list of funding bodies in the Acknowledgements section at the end of the manuscript.

Background: Human health is seriously threatened by particulate matter (PM) pollution, which is a major environmental problem. A better indicator of biological responses to PM exposure than its mass alone is the PM ''oxidative potential (OP),'' or ability to oxidize target molecules. When reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in the OP in excess of the antioxidant capacity of body due to PM components such metals and organic species, it causes inflammation, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), proteins, and lipids damage. Method: The samples of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are collected from the brick kiln site and the roadside in Lahore, Pakistan. The organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were estimated by carbon analyzer (DRI 2001A) using the thermal/optical transmittance (TOT) protocol. The water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) concentration was determined using a total organic carbon analyzer (Shimadzu TOC-L CPN). Ion chromatography (Dionex ICS–900) with a conductivity detector was used to analyze the water-soluble anions (Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−) and cations (NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+). Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (iCAP TQ ICP-MS, Thermo Scientific) was used to determine the concentrations of metals in the solution. The dithiothreitol (DTT) consumption rate was calculated using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 412 nm. Results: The mean concentrations of PM2.5 at the brick kiln site and roadside reported are 509.3 ± 32.3 μg/m3 and 467.5 ± 24.9 μg/m3, and the average OC/EC ratio is 1.9 ± 0.4 and 2.1 ± 0.1. primary organic carbon (POC) contributed more to OC than secondary organic carbon (SOC), which indicated the dominance of primary combustion sources. The anion equivalent (AE) to cation equivalent (CE) ratio indicated that PM2.5 is acidic at both sites due to the dominance of NO3− and SO42−. The DTT consumption rate normalized by PM2.5 mass (DTTm) and DTT consumption rate normalized by air volume (DTTv) of PM2.5 at the roadside samples are higher than at the brick kiln site due to the higher contribution of ionic species to the mass of PM2.5. Carbonaceous species of PM2.5 at both sampling sites are significantly correlated with DTTv of PM2.5, while metallic species behaved differently. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values (lung cancer) of As and Cr at both sampling sites, while the ILCR value of Cd at the roadside samples is exceeding the permissible limits for adults and children. The lifetime average daily dose (LADD) value for adults is higher than that for children, indicating that children are less vulnerable to metals. Conclusion: The concentration of PM2.5 at both sampling sites were exceeding the permissible limits of Pakistan’ National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS) and posing risk to the health of the local population. The POC and SOC contribution to OC at the brick kiln site and roadside in Lahore were 84.6%, 15.4% and 84.4%, 15.6%. POC at both sampling sites were the dominant carbon species indicating the dominance of primary combustion sources. The residence of Lahore poses the lung cancer risk due to Cr, As, and Cd at both sampling sites. The results of this study provide important data and evidence for further evaluation of the potential health risks of PM2.5 from brick kiln site and road side in Pakistan and formulation of efficient air-pollution control measures.

Summary: Pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline TP53 variants are the primary cause of Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a hereditary cancer predisposition disorder characterized by early-onset cancers. The population prevalence of P/LP germline TP53 variants is estimated to be approximately one in every 3,500 to 20,000 individuals. However, these estimates are likely impacted by ascertainment biases and lack of clinical and genetic data to account for potential confounding factors, such as clonal hematopoiesis. Genome-first approaches of cohorts linked to phenotype data can further refine these estimates by identifying individuals with variants of interest and then assessing their phenotypes. This study evaluated P/LP germline (variant allele fraction ≥30%) TP53 variants in three cohorts: UK Biobank (UKB, n = 200,590), Geisinger (n = 170,503), and Penn Medicine Biobank (PMBB, n = 43,731). A total of 109 individuals were identified with P/LP germline TP53 variants across the three databases. The TP53 p.R181H variant was the most frequently identified (9 of 109 individuals, 8%). A total of 110 cancers, including 47 hematologic cancers (47 of 110, 43%), were reported in 71 individuals. The prevalence of P/LP germline TP53 variants was conservatively estimated as 1:10,439 in UKB, 1:3,790 in Geisinger, and 1:2,983 in PMBB. These estimates were calculated after excluding related individuals and accounting for the potential impact of clonal hematopoiesis by excluding heterozygotes who ever developed a hematologic cancer. These varying estimates likely reflect intrinsic selection biases of each database, such as healthcare or population-based contexts. Prospective studies of diverse, young cohorts are required to better understand the population prevalence of germline TP53 variants and their associated cancer penetrance.

Nigeria loses thousands of its populace annually to cancer. Probable upsurge in the atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been suggested as a contributor to this menace. This baseline study has evaluated the concentrations of the 16 priority PAHs in urban and rural communities, Southern Nigeria to establish a nexus. Air samples were collected monthly for a period of 12 months from 10 sampling locations using passive samplers (polyurethane foams (PUF) disk). Results obtained revealed an average ambient air concentrations (∑16PAH) of 0.817 ± 0.33 µg/m3for the urban, 0.087 ± 0.05 µg/m3 for the rural and 0.011 ± 0.01 µg/m3 for the control site. Remarkably, the obtained urban and rural benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) mean concentrations, mainly from incessant combustion of unsorted municipal solid wastes and bush burning were outrageous (63 ng/m3 and 9 ng/m3 respectively), indicative of a significant cancer health hazard and a possible overlooked source of the global BaP burden. The Total Toxicity Equivalent Concentration (TTEC) were found to vary from 0.000063 – 0.417 µg/m3 with BaP once more reporting the highest toxicity value of 0.314 µg/m3. However, the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values obtained, ranged from 7.8 × 10−8 to 5 × 10−5 which were within the acceptable limits. The Health Impact Assessment (HIA) reported symptoms suggestive of exposure to PAHs, with neurological and respiratory symptoms being the most prevalent by 31.4 - 61.4 % of the respondents. Spatial and temporal variations in the obtained PAH data were found to be significant (p

Prior faecal Hemoglobin (f-Hb) concentrations of a negative fecal immunochemical test (FIT) can be used for risk stratification in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Individuals with higher f-Hb concentrations may benefit from a shorter screening interval (1 year), whereas individuals with undetectable f-Hb concentrations could benefit from a longer screening interval (3 year). Individuals’ views on personalised CRC screening and information needed to make a well-informed decision is unknown. We conducted three semi-structured focus groups among individuals eligible for CRC screening (i.e. men and women aged 55 to 75) in the Netherlands. Thematic analysis was used to analyse participants’ information need on personalised CRC screening strategies. Fourteen individuals took part. The majority were positive about CRC screening and indicated that they would participate in personalised CRC screening. The rationale for a longer interval among those at lowest risk was, however, unclear for many. The preferred information on individual risk was variable: ranging from full information to only information on the personalised strategy without mentioning the risk. It was not possible to address everyone’s need with a single approach. Additional communications, e.g. public media campaigns, billboards, videos on social media, were also suggested as necessary. This study showed that preferences on receiving information on individual CRC risk varied substantially and no consensus was reached. Introducing a personalised screening programme will require careful communication, particularly around the rationale for the strategy, and a layered approach to deliver information.

Background: Sachet water is a source of affordable drinking water for low-income socioeconomic class. However, contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) could pose severe adverse health risk to consumers. Objective: The present study aimed at assessing the levels and health risk of PTEs in selected sachet water samples packaged from groundwater resources in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 140 bags of selected sachet water brands were purchased and analysed for eleven PTEs (some of which are rarely reported in Nigeria) using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrophotometer. Recovery experiment was conducted to validate the performance of the used analytical instrument. Blank samples were also run to cancel the matrix effect of the analysing reagents, and to calculate the limit of detection. PTE data were evaluated for simple descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS for Windows. Health risk assessment was conducted for hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR). Results: Chromium (Cr) was the highest observed PTE in sachet water from Asero (707±1102 µg L−1), Isolu (363±374 µg L−1) and Makun-Shagamu (359±204 µg L−1) sites. The concentrations of Cr were higher than the permissible limit of the World Health Organization in 63% of the sachet water samples. Furthermore, the average contents of lead (Pb) and thallium (Tl) were observed at higher concentrations than the acceptable limits. The HQs exceeding the permissible threshold of 1.0 were observed for silver (Ag), aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), Cr and Tl in 29% of the sachet water consumed by adults and children; indicating adverse health effects. The CRs of Cd and Cr at all the sampling locations, and As at few sites were higher than the acceptable limit of 1 × 10−4; suggesting possible development of cancer by the consumers. Conclusion: The high levels and health risk estimates of PTEs in the sachet water samples suggested unsafe for consumption. Periodic monitoring of PTEs in sachet water from the study area is recommended.

This study investigated the concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from the shoreline of the Red Sea. 16 PAH concentrations ranged from 1.43 to 4990.69 µg/g dry weight to 1.64 to 6397.69 µg/g dry weight during spring and autumn, respectively. Most sites with the highest PAH concentrations were (4–6 rings) compounds. The sources of PAHs were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and diagnostic ratios between combinations of PAHs. The results indicated that the pyrogenic source was the primary source of PAHs. The results showed that surface sediment from all sample sites presents low to sporadic toxicity concerns to marine organisms. Total carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of eight priority PAHs ranged from 0.03 to 863.96 and 0.09 to 1197.85 µg/g dry weight, respectively (TEQBaP and MEQBaP). BaP accounted for most of the influence among the eight carcinogenic PAHs and could be employed as a particular PAH toxicity indicator. Using the toxic equivalent quotient (TEQcarc) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) to estimate human health risk, it has been determined that sediment contaminated with PAHs in some study area stations may possess the capacity to cause cancer, particularly in children. The ecological risk posed by PAHs was evaluated using a risk quotient (RQ). The RQPAHs estimated for the samples revealed that the study region was at a high-risk level. Anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs that were more pronounced in locations connected to maritime activity are described in this study. Further monitoring studies encompassing different environmental matrices about PAHs pollution and their toxicological relevance should be conducted.

Background: Trihalomethanes (THMs), a class of DBPs (disinfection byproducts) that includes chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), chlorodibromomethane (CDBM), and bromoform. To the best of authors’ knowledge, no study has addressed the relationship between the concentration of THMs and lifetime cancer risks (LCR) in drinking water supply system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the lifetime cancer risks of exposure to THMs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: A total of 120 duplicate water samples were collected from 21 sampling points in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The THMs were separated by a DB-5 capillary column and detected by an electron capture detector (ECD). Cancer and non-cancer risk assessments were performed. Results: The average total THMs (TTHMs)concentration in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was 76.3 μg/L. Chloroform was the most dominant THM species identified. The total cancer risk for males was higher than that for females. The average LCR for TTHMs via ingestion in drinking water in this study was unacceptably high risk93.4×10−2. An average LCR through dermal routes was also of unacceptably high risk4.3×10−2. The LCR by chloroform contributes the highest (72%) of the total risk, followed by BDCM (14%), DBCM (10%) and bromoform (4%). Conclusions: The cancer risk of drinking water due to THMs in Addis Ababa was higher than the level recommended by the USEPA. The total LCR from the targeted THMs was higher via the three exposure routes. Males were at higher THM cancer risk than females. The hazard index (HI) indicated that the dermal route caused higher HI values than the ingestion route. It is essential to apply alternatives to chlorine, i.e., chlorine dioxide (ClO2), ozone and ultraviolet radiation, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The monitoring and regulation of the THMs is required on a regular basis to analyse the trends and guide the water treatment and distribution system. Availability of data and materials: The datasets generated for this analysis are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

In this study, the concentrations of trace metals were examined in commercially important fish, Coptodon zillii and Parachanna obscura from Osu reservoir. These were with a view to providing baseline information on the levels of heavy metals and its associated risks to human health through fish consumption. Fish samples were collected fortnightly for five months using fish traps and gill nets with the assistance of local fisherman. They were brought into the laboratory in an ice chest for identification. The fish samples were dissected and the gills, fillet and liver kept in freezer and later analyzed for heavy metals based on Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) method. The data collected were subjected to appropriate statistical software packages. The results revealed that the concentration of the heavy metals in P. obscura and C. zillii across the tissues were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from each other. Also, the mean concentration of heavy metals in the fish were below the recommended limits of FAO and WHO. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for each heavy metals were below one (1) while the estimated hazard index (HI) for C. zillii and P. obscura showed no threat to human health risk through the consumption of the fish species. However, continuous consumption of the fish could probably cause health risk to the consumers of the fish. According to the study's findings, human consumption of fish species with low concentration of heavy metals at the current accumulating level is safe.

Background: The results regarding the association between insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) expression and cancer risk were controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to provide novel evidence on relationship between IGFBP1 expression and cancer risk. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and Web of science were searched for relevant cohort and case-control studies exploring the relationship between IGFBP1 expression and cancer risk. Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled in this meta-analysis using random model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on ethnicity, tumor types, publication year, study type, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) score and sex. Results: A total of 27 studies including 16 cohort and 11 case-control studies were identified by literature search. No significant association was found between IGFBP1 expression and risk of various cancers [0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79, 1.03]. The overall results showed that the pooled ORs were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.88] for prostate cancer risk and 0.66 (95%CI: 0.44, 0.99) for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, there is no significant association between IGFBP1 expression and risk for ovarian cancer (1.70, 95%CI: 0.41, 6.99), breast cancer (1.02, 95%CI: 0.85, 1.23), endometrial cancer (1.19, 95%CI: 0.64, 2.21), colorectal adenoma (0.93; 95%CI: 0.81, 1.07), lung cancer (0.81, 95%CI: 0.39, 1.68) or multiple myeloma (1.20, 95%CI: 0.98, 1.47). Conclusion: In this study, compared with individuals at low IGFBP1 expression adjusted for age, smoking status, alcohol intake and so on, risk of the prostate cancer and CRC were decreased among individuals of high IGFBP1 expression. There needs further study to confirm this issue.

Advances in diagnostics and interventional/surgical treatment of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) over the past several decades, allows a decline in rates of all-cause mortality, with a significant reduction in proportion of infant and childhood deaths with severe forms of CHD. However, the risk of premature death in adults with complex CHD remains elevated. A growing body of evidence has recently described the impact of non-cardiovascular comorbidities such as cancers, on morbidity, health care utilizations and mortality in adult patients with CHD. Aim of this review is to provide an appraisal of the current evidence that report associations between CHD and increased cancer risk in children and adults, and provide an overview of the specific risk factors.

Summary: Background: The causal relevance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for risk of site-specific cancers remains uncertain. Methods: Using a Mendelian randomization (MR) framework, we assessed the causal relevance of PUFAs for risk of cancer in European and East Asian ancestry individuals. We defined the primary exposure as PUFA desaturase activity, proxied by rs174546 at the FADS locus. Secondary exposures were defined as omega 3 and omega 6 PUFAs that could be proxied by genetic polymorphisms outside the FADS region. Our study used summary genetic data on 10 PUFAs and 67 cancers, corresponding to 562,871 cases and 1,619,465 controls, collected by the Fatty Acids in Cancer Mendelian Randomization Collaboration. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) for cancer per standard deviation increase in genetically proxied PUFA exposures. Findings: Genetically elevated PUFA desaturase activity was associated (P

Monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in soil and their accumulation in vegetables grown in the newly shifted tannery area of Savar, Bangladesh, is crucial for human health. Heavy metals (i.e., Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cd) concentrations in soil and vegetable samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). In soil, 3220 mg/kg Cr was observed, which was 32-fold greater than the WHO/FAO recommended limit. Ecological risk indices such as the contamination factor, enrichment factor, pollution load index, and geoaccumulation index showed metal levels as moderately to very highly contaminated. The non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) was found to be higher, and the carcinogenic risk (CR) exceeded the acceptable value 1 × 10−6 and posed greater risks to children than adults, especially for Cr in soil. The main exposure pathway for soil metals was 97.8–99.9% due to oral ingestion. The concentration of heavy metals especially Cr, Pb, Zn, and Cd, in vegetables was alarming as they crossed the safety limit. The calculated mean hazard index (8.71) for vegetable samples showed elevated levels of potential NCR, while CR for Cr and Cd, exceeded the acceptable limit of 1 × 10−6, indicating the probability of cancer risk to humans through the consumption of vegetables. This study revealed a to-and-fro analysis of the present scenario of the tannery area, giving importance to human health and the environment.

Delays in healthcare, including breast cancer screening, were documented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, no studies have examined the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare among women at high (≥20 % lifetime) risk for breast cancer. This study fills that gap. Between August 2020 and January 2021, high-risk women (N = 225) living in the United States (US) completed an online survey assessing COVID-related healthcare disruptions. Descriptive statistics characterized the frequency of breast cancer screening (mammogram and breast magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariable linear regression analysis with backward selection examined demographic characteristics associated with COVID-related healthcare disruptions. Since March 2020, 40 % of participants had received a mammogram and 12 % had received a screening breast MRI. On average, participants reported low levels of COVID-related healthcare disruptions (M = 1.97 on a 0–4 scale, higher = more disruptions). Participants who were younger (β = -0.21, p = 0.002) and not working (β = 0.18, p = 0.009) reported more COVID-related healthcare disruptions. Compared to non-Hispanic White participants, those from any other racial or ethnic group reported fewer COVID-related healthcare disruptions (β = −0.15, p = 0.020). Although few high-risk women received breast cancer screening after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, they reported overall low levels of COVID-related healthcare disruptions. Results identify subgroups of high-risk women whose healthcare may have been more affected by the pandemic. Efforts to encourage US women at high risk for breast cancer to return to routine preventive care (including breast cancer screening) may need to be targeted towards women who are younger, not working, and non-Hispanic White.

This systematic review summarized the role of olive oil intake in modulation of cancer risk biomarkers in healthy adults. A total of four randomized clinical trials with crossover design were included with intervention periods ranging from three to eight weeks, none of them at high risk of bias. meta-analysis was not performed because the studies were heterogeneous. Results showed that continuous olive oil intake was associated with the reduction of oxidized DNA bases, IL-8, TNF-α, and 8-OH deoxyguanosine, but did not affect ethene-DNA adducts. In summary, this study showed a potential role of olive oil intake by healthy individuals for prevention and repair of cancer-related DNA damage, through lower levels of markers of oxidative DNA damage and inflammation. High levels of these molecules are present and linked with tumor initiation and other carcinogenesis-related events. Therefore, olive oil is a promising agent for cancer risk reduction. To make this association robust, more intervention studies are needed, especially high-quality randomized controlled trials evaluating similar biomarkers over longer periods of time.

Background and Aim: Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal and pervasive environmental contaminant, and a class 2 A carcinogen according to the IARC classification, yet its link with cancer at several body sites remains uncertain. Here, we aimed at summarizing the scientific evidence regarding its association with cancer risk and mortality, focusing on studies that carried out Pb measurements in biological samples., Methods: We reviewed articles published in PubMed and EMBASE until January 2nd, 2024, that quantified the epidemiological association between Pb measured in blood, urine, nails, and other biological media, and cancer risk and mortality (overall and by cancer site/type)., Results: We included 46 articles (out of 8022 screened) published in 1995-2023 and reporting on investigations conducted in fifteen countries. In terms of design, 20 were prospective, 24 were retrospective case-control studies, and 2 were cross-sectional. Pb levels were determined in blood in the majority of studies (n=28). The most consistent evidence was for the association of Pb with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the oesophagus, stomach (RR ranging from 0.80 to 2.66), colon-rectum, and pancreas; and of the bladder and urinary tract (RR from 1.10 to 2.89). For other specific malignancies, the data were conflicting or too limited to draw reliable conclusions. Finally, increased Pb concentration in blood and urine was consistently associated with higher overall cancer incidence and mortality., Conclusions: Lead is a widespread and highly persistent environmental pollutant associated with cancer at multiple body sites. Comprehensive primary prevention interventions aiming at reducing opportunities for Pb exposure need to be continuously promoted and implemented., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is classified as a class 1 carcinogen by the IARC, yet uncertainty persists regarding the total burden of cancer (incidence and mortality) caused by exposure to it, due to the still limited evidence with regard to its aetiological role in cancer at several body sites., Objectives and Methods: We searched PubMed and EMBASE for meta-analyses and original articles published by February 1st, 2024, that focused on the link between cadmium measured in biological samples (blood, urine, finger-/toe-nails, and hair) and site-specific cancer risk and mortality., Results: We included 9 meta-analyses and 57 original articles (of these, the design was retrospective in 38 and prospective in 19, and Cd levels were quantified in blood, n=33, urine, n=19, both blood and urine, n=2, or finger-/toenail, n=3). Current data consistently suggest a causal role of exposure to cadmium in pancreas, lung, and bladder carcinogenesis. Total cancer risk and mortality are also positively correlated with Cd levels in biological samples. The evidence is weak or inconclusive for the remaining cancer sites (including breast and prostate), mostly due to the limited number of studies available to date and/or methodological limitations., Discussion: Exposure to cadmium poses a risk for increased cancer incidence and mortality. Cadmium-related cancer burden might indeed be currently underestimated, as the amount of available evidence for most cancer sites and types is currently limited, and more research in the field is warranted. Continuing efforts to contain Cd pollution and mitigate associated health risk are also needed., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Addressing cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural lands is crucial, given its health implications and accumulation in crops. This study used pot experiments to evaluate the impact of foliar selenium spray (Se) (0.40 mM), corn straw biochar (1%), and pig manure (1%) on the growth of rice plants, the accumulation of Cd in rice grain, and to examine their influence on health risk indices associated with Cd exposure. The treatments were designated as follows: a control group without any amendment (CK), biochar (T1), pig manure (T2), Se (T3), Se and biochar (T4), Se and pig manure (T5), and Se along with biochar and pig manure (T6). Our results indicated that the treatments affected soil pH and redox potential and improved growth and the nitrogen and phosphorus content in rice plants. The soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) meter readings of leaves during the tillering stage indicated a 5.27%-15.86% increase in treatments T2 to T6 compared to CK. The flag leaves of T2 exhibited increases of 12.06%-38.94% for electrolyte leakage and an 82.61%-91.60% decline in SOD compared to treatments T3 to T6. Treatments T1 to T6 increased protein content; however, amylose content was significantly reduced in T6. Treatment T6 recorded the lowest Cd concentration in rice grains (0.018 mg/kg), while T2 recorded the highest (0.051 mg/kg). The CK treatment group showed a grain Cd content reduction of 29.30% compared to T2. The assessment of acceptable daily intake, hazard quotient, and carcinogenic risk revealed an ascending order as follows: T6 < T3 < T5 < T4 < T1 < CK < T2. In conclusion, the application of treatment T6 demonstrates the potential to lower oxidative stress, enhance production, reduce cancer risk, and ensure the safe cultivation of rice in environments affected by Cd contamination., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

ATM gene is implicated in the development of breast cancer in the heterozygous state, and Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) in a homozygous or compound heterozygous state. Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare cerebellar ataxia syndrome presenting with progressive neurologic impairment, telangiectasia, and an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma. Although the role of ATM, separately, in association with A-T and breast cancer is well documented, there is a limited number of studies investigating ATM variants when segregating with both phenotypes in the same family. Here, using joint analysis and whole genome sequencing, we investigated ATM c.1564&#95;1565del in a family with one homozygous member presenting with A-T (OMIM # 208900) and three heterozygous members, of whom one had breast cancer (OMIM #114480). To our knowledge, this is the first study of ATM c.1564&#95;1565del segregation with both A-T and breast cancer phenotypes within the same kindred. This study highlights the need for a comprehensive genomic approach in the appropriate cancer risk management of heterozygote carriers of ATM in families with A-T., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Rates of alcohol consumption and obesity are increasing in many Western populations. For some cancer types, both heavy alcohol consumption and obesity are independently associated with increased risk. Whether combined exposure to both synergistically increases an individual's risk of cancer is unclear. We performed a systematic review to assess whether alcohol and obesity interact to confer higher risk for cancer than the additive sum of their effects., Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted from the inception date to 13 February 2024 of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science to identify studies of alcohol, obesity, and cancer risk. We aimed to undertake a meta-analysis if there were sufficient data., Results: The literature search identified 17,740 potentially eligible studies. After review, 24 studies were included. Eleven reported on the association between alcohol consumption and cancer risk in individuals according to their body mass index (BMI), nine reported on the association between BMI and cancer risk in individuals according to their alcohol consumption, and six studies examined potential synergistic interactions between alcohol consumption and obesity on cancer risk. However, there were insufficient data and significant heterogeneity in the cancers studied to undertake meta-analysis, therefore a systemic review and narrative synthesis was conducted. Overall, there was no consistent pattern of interaction between alcohol use and overweight/obesity on cancer risk across cancer types., Conclusions: While alcohol and obesity are prevalent and important risk factors for a range of cancers, data are lacking on whether their combined exposure may synergistically increase an individual's risk for cancer. Further study across more cancer types is required to better understand the nature of interactions between alcohol use and obesity on cancer risk., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This paper investigates the relationship between periodontal disease and various cancer types. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge about the interaction between periodontal disease and carcinogenesis, explores the underlying biological mechanisms of this connection, and consider the impact of these findings on healthcare practices and future research directions. Utilizing Systematic Literature Network Analysis, which combines bibliometric analysis with Systematic Literature Review, this study analyzes 164 documents from 2000 to 2023. Focus is placed on the 38 most globally cited papers, enabling a targeted and comprehensive analysis of the predominant research within this scope. This review highlights that colorectal, oral, pancreatic, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers have consistent associations with periodontal disease. On the other hand, hematological, breast and prostate cancers show associations with periodontal disease, but these links are less pronounced and more variable, indicating the need for targeted research in these domains. These insights emphasize the necessity for a multidisciplinary healthcare approach, recognizing the systemic implications of periodontal disease., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare that we have no significant competing financial, professional, or personal interests that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Human exposure to carcinogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, from hand sanitizers is a topic of current concern. In light of the heavy use of hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic, determination of exposure to toxicants present in these products deserves attention. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had set an interim limit for benzene in alcohol-based hand sanitizers at 2000 parts-per-billion (ppb). We determined the concentrations of and exposure to three VOCs namely, benzene, toluene and styrene, in 200 hand sanitizers using high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS). Benzene, toluene and styrene were found in 31%, 25% and 32%, respectively, of the samples analyzed at mean concentrations of 395 (range: 0.181–22,300), 164 (range: 0.074–20,700) and 61.3 ng/g (range: 0.082–4200 ng/g), respectively. Benzene was found at concentrations > 2000 ng/g (above the FDA interim limit) in 5% of the samples, representing 9 brands. The mean potential dermal exposure doses (DEDs) to benzene (children/teenagers: 34.6; adults: 24.7 ng/kg-bw/d) were higher than those for toluene (children/teenagers: 14.4; adults: 10.3 ng/kg-bw/d) and styrene (children/teenagers: 5.37; adults: 3.83 ng/kg-bw/d) in the 200 hand sanitizers analyzed. The estimated cancer risk from exposure to benzene in children/teenagers and adults from hand sanitizer use (at an estimated usage rate of 5 g/day) was greater than the one-in-a-million risk benchmark (1.0 × 10–6) for 10% and 9% of the samples, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine both the concentrations of and exposure risks to benzene, toluene and styrene present in hand sanitizers.

Unserviceable vehicles imported from developed countries are often dismantled in automobile junk markets and the useable parts sold. This generates hazardous waste oils which contain contaminants detrimental to the environment and human health. In this study, we quantified the potential human health risks associated with oral and dermal exposure to heavy metals and PAHs in well-water samples from a major automobile junk market in Ibadan, SW-Nigeria. Twenty-four to thirty-one water samples from seven wells within the market were analyzed for seven metals and eight PAHs using standard methods. Hazard-Quotient (HQ), Hazard-Index (HI), and Carcinogenic-Risk (CR) were computed for children and adults based on the USEPA Human-Health Risk Assessment model.Iron, Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Benzo(a)Anthracene, and Benzo(a)Pyrene exceeded regulatory limits. In children and adults, lead (1.14–3.71), cadmium (1.26–2.60) and arsenic (1.03–4.33) had HQingestion values exceeding 1. In addition, cadmium also posed risks via the dermal route in children in two of the seven sampled wells with an HQ of 1.76. Hazard Index was >1 via both routes in children (HIingestion:- 5.04–10.07; HIdermal:- 1.12–2.12) but only via ingestion in adults (HI ingestion:- 2.36–4.85). Well-3 samples posed the greatest non-carcinogenic risks via ingestion with HI values of 10.07 (children) and 4.85 (adults) respectively. Cadmium, arsenic, lead, and chromium could also elicit carcinogenic risk, with CR values of 1.00E − 02, 1.95E − 03, 1.11E − 04, and 3.30E − 04 which exceeded the 10−4 limit indicating high risk, particularly in children.However, HQ and HI values for PAHs were

Summary: Background: Previous studies have shown that three DNA methylation (DNAm) based algorithms of aging, DNAm PhenoAge acceleration (AgeAccelPheno), DNAm GrimAge acceleration (AgeAccelGrim), and mortality risk score (MRscore), to be strong predictors of mortality and aging related outcomes. We aimed to investigate if and to what extent these algorithms predict cancer. Methods: In four subsets (n = 727, 1003, 910, and 412) of a population-based cohort from Germany, DNA methylation in whole blood was measured using the Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip kit or the Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip Assay (Illumina.Inc, San Diego, CA, USA). AgeAccelPheno, AgeAccelGrim, and a revised MRscore based on 8 CpGs only (MRscore-8CpGs), were calculated. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated to assess associations of the three DNAm algorithms with total cancer risk and risk of invasive breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer incidence. Findings: During 17 years of follow-up, a total of 697 malignant tumors (thereof breast cancer = 75, lung cancer = 146, prostate cancer = 114, colorectal cancer = 155) were observed. All three algorithms showed strong positive associations with lung cancer risk in a dose response manner, with adjusted HRs per SD increase in AgeAccelPheno, AgeAccelGrim, and MRscore-8CpGs, of 1·37 (1·03-1·82), 1·74 (1·11-2·73), and 2·06 (1·39-3·06), respectively. By contrast, strong inverse associations were seen with breast cancer risk [adjusted HRs 0·65 (0·49-0·86), 0·45 (0·25-0·80), and 0·42 (0·25-0·70), respectively]. Weak positive associations of MRscore-8CpGs were seen with total cancer risk. Interpretation: The DNAm algorithms, particularly the MRscore-8CpGs, have potential to contribute to site-specific cancer risk prediction. Funding: The ESTHER study was funded by grants from the Baden-Württemberg state Ministry of Science, Research and Arts (Stuttgart, Germany), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Berlin, Germany), the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Berlin, Germany), and the Saarland State Ministry of Health, Social Affairs, Women and the Family (Saarbrücken, Germany). The work of Xiangwei Li was supported by a grant from Fondazione Cariplo (Bando Ricerca Malattie invecchiamento, #2017-0653).

Background: Acrylamide is widely found in food as a side-product of high-temperature heating of starch-rich food. It has attracted much attention because of its neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity. However, the cancer risk and disease burden of dietary acrylamide exposure have not been quantified in China. Objective: To estimate the cancer risk and the disease burden attributable to dietary acrylamide exposure and quantify its health hazards. Method: We first performed an exposure assessment of acrylamide in food, based on which the incremental excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was calculated for cancer risk assessment. The DisMod Ⅱ software and the DALY calculator in R were used to calculate the disease burden due to dietary acrylamide exposure. Results: Average dietary acrylamide exposure in males was 0.1531 μg·kg−1·d−1 and that in females was 0.1554 μg·kg−1·d−1, resulting in an ELCR of 7.81 × 10−5 for males and 7.92 × 10−5 for females in China. The dietary acrylamide exposure resulted in about 23,688.09 DALYs of cancers among the Chinese population in 2016, including 1331.93 DALYs of breast cancer, 243.32 DALYs of endometrial cancer, 248.91 DALYs of ovarian cancer, and 176.28 DALYs of kidney cancer, respectively. Conclusion: The health hazards of dietary acrylamide exposure deserve attention. The burden of disease assessment could quantify the health hazards of food contaminants for prioritizing policies.

Although alcohol increases the risk of cancer, awareness of alcohol-related cancer risks is low. Alcohol use is prevalent among young adults, and understanding factors associated with awareness and perceptions of alcohol-related cancer risks in this group is critical for cancer prevention efforts. We examined the demographic, tobacco, and alcohol related correlates of young adults’ awareness and perceptions of alcohol as a behavioral risk factor for cancer. We completed a secondary analysis of data collected in February 2020 in the U.S. from 1,328 young adults (ages 18–30) who completed a cross-sectional online survey. Participants reported (1) awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer and (2) perceived risks of serious disease such as cancer. We analyzed demographic characteristics, alcohol use, and tobacco use associated with these outcome variables using multivariable regression. Overall, 18.5% of participants believed that alcohol does not increase cancer risk. Perceived cancer risk associated with alcohol use was moderate (M 3.2, SD 1.6, 1–7 scale). In multivariable analysis, awareness of risk was significantly higher among those with higher socioeconomic status. Perceived risk was significantly greater among those with higher socioeconomic status, higher alcohol consumption, and a history of tobacco use. These findings indicate research is warranted to better understand awareness of alcohol as a behavioral risk factor for cancer and associated beliefs in subgroups of young adults to help guide the development of interventions to raise awareness of the risks of cancer associated with alcohol use.

This investigation measured the extent of heavy metal concentrations (Cr, Pb, Fe, Zn and Ni) in nine finfish and shellfish species from a tropical estuary to determine the degree of pollution and evaluate the human health risk from the exposure to heavy metals through consumption of fish. The hierarchy of mean concentrations (mg/kg) of the heavy metals were: Zn (398.47) > Fe (83.015) > Cr (0.906) > Ni (0.233) > Pb (0.128). The metal concentrations in the edible tissues were ranked in the following sequence: A. bato > C. cirrhosus > A. grammepomus > M. dobsoni > P. paradiseus > O. pama > M. rosenbergii > N. smithi > S. phasa. The results demonstrated that the concentration of Cr and Zn was considerably higher than the guideline values of FAO. Estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) values were within the acceptable threshold for both adults and children. However, the EDIs of local consumers in the research area for both adults and children were lower than the recommended daily amount (RDA), following the order of Zn > Fe > Cr > Ni > Pb. The HQs of the elements followed the order of Zn > Cr > Fe > Pb > Ni. The investigated HI was not exceeding the recommended limit.

Heavy metal contamination of soil and agricultural products is an environmental problem, has an adverse effect on the quality of food crops, and is a danger to food security and public health. The concentration of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in surface soils and edible hypocotyls tissues of two ecotypes of Lepidium meyenii Walpers (maca) was evaluated in three districts of the Junín province, Peru. In addition, the risk to human health due to exposure to heavy metals from maca consumption was evaluated. Soil samples and maca hypocotyls were collected in areas influenced by mining and metallurgical activity. The mean concentration of Cd (0.32 ± 0.23 mg/kg) and Pb (0.20 ± 0.12 mg/kg) in maca samples exceeded the values established by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. The bioconcentration factor was less than 1. The estimated daily intake of each metal was below the oral reference dose. The hazard quotient and hazard index were less than 1, it is unlikely to cause non-cancer adverse health outcome. The cancer risk for As and Cd was higher than the tolerable limit (1 × 10−6) in children and adults. In the district of Ondores, the cancer risk for As in children was higher than the acceptable limit (1 × 10−4). Residents of the Ondores district would be more exposed to As and Cd from consumption of maca hypocotyls. It is very important to carry out continuous monitoring of other toxic metals in different ecotypes of maca (red, black, yellow, purple, creamy white, pink) in order to evaluate the variation in the accumulation of heavy metals and the level of toxicity of each metal between ecotypes.

Here, we focus on the concentration of six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn) in the road dust collected from Tiruchirappalli city, one of the cleanest Tier II cities in South India. Five metals were detected in the road dust, except for Cd that was below measurable limit in all 22 dust samples (15 from the urban city and 7 from the sub-urban city). The mean metal concentration in the road dust collected in Tiruchirappalli city was in the order: Fe (506.39 μg/g) > Zn (47.08 μg/g) > Cu (11.84 μg/g) > Cr (11.47 μg/g) > Pb (0.24 μg/g). The metal levels were higher in outer city compared with inner city due to the increased industrial activities on the outskirts of the city and the reduced cleaning routine. Using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), the metal sources were found to be a mix of both natural and anthropogenic activities. Various pollution valuation indices viz., geoaccumulation index, pollution load index, contamination degree, potential ecological risk, health hazard quotient, and carcinogenic risk (2.5 x 10-7), revealed that Tiruchirappalli city falls in the unpolluted category. Also, an increasing trend in the metal pollution is observed in the industrial zones due to the heavy traffic and metal processing activities in the region. For now, the status of metal pollution in Tiruchirappalli is safe, but continuous monitoring is crucial to sustain the unpolluted status.

Background: The detrimental health effects associated with the receipt of moderate (0.1–1 Gy) and high (>1 Gy) acute doses of sparsely ionising radiation are well established from human epidemiological studies. There is accumulating direct evidence of excess risk of cancer in a number of populations exposed at lower acute doses or doses received over a protracted period. There is evidence that relative risks are generally higher after radiation exposures in utero or in childhood. Methods and findings: We reviewed and summarised evidence from 60 studies of cancer or benign neoplasms following low- or moderate-level exposure in utero or in childhood from medical and environmental sources. In most of the populations studied the exposure was predominantly to sparsely ionising radiation, such as X-rays and gamma-rays. There were significant (p

Arsenic is a well-known carcinogen with emerging reports showing a range of health outcomes even for low to moderate levels of exposure. This study deals with arsenic exposure and associated increased lifetime cancer risk for populations in arsenic-endemic regions of rural Bengal, where arsenic-safe drinking water is being supplied at present. We found a median total exposure of inorganic arsenic to be 2. 9 μg/Kg BW/day (5th and 95th percentiles were 1.1 μg/Kg BW/day and 7.9 μg/Kg BW/day); with major contribution from cooked rice intake (2.4 µg/Kg BW/day). A significant number of households drank arsenic safe water but used arsenic-rich water for rice cooking. As a result, 67% participants had inorganic arsenic intake above the JEFCA threshold value of 3 μg/Kg BW/day for cancer risk from only rice consumption when arsenic contaminated water was used for cooking (median: 3.5 μg/Kg BW/day) compared to 29% participants that relied on arsenic-free cooking water (median: 1.0 µg/kg BW/day). Arsenic in urine samples of study participants ranged from 31.7 to 520 µg/L and was significantly associated with the arsenic intake (r = 0.76); confirming the preponderance of arsenic exposure from cooked rice. The median arsenic attributable cancer risks from drinking water and cooked rice were estimated to be 2.4 × 10-5 and 2.7 × 10-4 respectively, which further emphasized the importance of arsenic exposure from staple diet. Our results show that any mitigation strategy should include both drinking water and local staple foods in order to minimize the potential health risks of arsenic exposure.

In this study, we aimed to use the loss of happy life expectancy (LHpLE), an indicator that enables risk assessment considering wellbeing, to compare the risks of environmental carcinogenic chemicals in Japan. First, we surveyed Japanese people to determine their emotional happiness by age and sex and evaluated whether cancer incidence reduced emotional happiness. Questionnaires were administered to a general population panel and a panel of patients with cancer in 2022, recruiting a predetermined number of responses of 5000 and 850, respectively. Second, using the survey data, LHpLE was calculated for radon, arsenic, and fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm; PM 2.5 ) and compared to psychological distress, considering increased mortality and decreased emotional happiness due to these risks. We discovered no significant decrease in emotional happiness due to cancer incidence and no significant associations between emotional happiness and cancer type, history, or stage. LHpLE was calculated to be 6.4 × 10 -3 years for radon, 2.6 × 10 -3 years for arsenic, 1.1 × 10 -2 years (2012 exposure) and 8.6 × 10 -4 years (2020 exposure) for PM 2.5 , and 9.7 × 10 -1 years for psychological distress. The fraction of losses caused by these carcinogenic chemicals to HpLE exceeded 10 -5 , suggesting that risk reduction for these chemicals is important in environmental policies. The LHpLE indicator allows for comparing different types of risks, such as environmental chemicals and psychological distress. This is the first study to compare chemical risks using the LHpLE indicator., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Socio-economic activities like food trade can increase the uncertainty of human risk of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). We compared the change in model predicted α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) cancer risk (CR) with and without grain trade in mainland China. In scenario without grain logistics, α-HCH moved fast away from southern and southeastern China via northward atmospheric transport. However, the grain logistics from northeastern China delivers the α-HCH previously accumulated in northeastern sink back to densely populated areas in recent years, which enhance CR by >50 % in the southern seaboard of China. The northward movement of grain production center and recent grain deficiency in southern provinces induced by dietary pattern changes is identified as the major driving factors of the reversed transport of α-HCH. The finding highlights the potential of socio-economic activities that can otherwise offset the risk reduction effect of the geochemical cycle of POPs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The consumption of arsenic and trace-metal-contaminated rice is a human health concern worldwide, particularly in Bangladesh. In this study, the effects of rice varieties and water management practices on the concentrations of arsenic and trace metals in rice grains were investigated to reduce human health risks related to rice consumption. In addition, the performance of risk reduction using the optimum combination of rice variety and water management practices was quantitatively assessed using Monte Carlo simulation, in which non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk distributions under the status quo and the optimum combination were compared. The experimental results revealed that Dular and BRRI dhan45 (rice varieties) cultivated under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and continuous flooding (CF) conditions showed the lowest hazard quotient (HQ) values for copper, cadmium, and arsenic and the lowest target cancer risk (TR) for arsenic. In Dular and BRRI dhan45 (AWD and CF) varieties, the proportion of the population for which HQs exceeded 1.0 (the reference value) tended to decrease (except for arsenic), compared with populations for which the rice varieties and water management practices were not specified. These results suggest that the use of optimum combinations of rice varieties and water management practices could reduce non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with arsenic and trace metals uptake via rice grain consumption by the Bangladeshi people., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest This study was supported by the Mitsui Bussan Environmental Fund (grant number: R18-2009), Japan. The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperglycemia have been shown to have significant effects on the incidence, chemoresistance, and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as the outcomes of localized and metastatic CRC. Inflammation and endocrine effects may act as central mechanisms of DM and cancer and stimulate the insulin‐like growth factor 1–phosphoinositide 3-kinase–Akt–mammalian target of rapamycin (IGF-1–PI3K–AKT–mTOR) pathway. Dysregulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway leads to metabolic imbalance and indicates cancer risk. The use of metformin for chemoprevention has been shown to reduce CRC and adenoma incidence through the upregulation of AMPK, which causes cell cycle arrest in the Gap 1–S (G1–S) phase and inhibits the mTOR pathway, even potentially reversing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. However, evidence of the effects of metformin remain controversial in cancer prognosis. Several genes, such as transcription factor 7-like 2(TCF7L2), tumor protein P53 inducible nuclear protein 1(TP53INP1), gremlin 1 (GREM1), and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1(KCNQ1), are pleiotropically related to DM as well as cancer risk and prognosis. Epigenetic modification of members of the Let-7 family such as miR-497, miR-486, and miR-223 is strongly associated with impaired glucose tolerance and CRC risk. Herein we review the pathophysiological and epidemiological evidence as well as potential underlying molecular mechanisms by which DM and hyperglycemia affect CRC risk. We also suggest potential roles of glucose modulation in CRC therapy and propose an agenda for future research and clinical practice.

Radioactive elements of natural origin are present everywhere in the environment as well as sediments in different concentrations depending on the local geology of soil. These elements are hazardous to the environment and to human health. This present work studied the radioactivity of a set of soil samples of phosphates tailings collected from a mining site in Kpogamé with a view to assessing the radiological hazards. Collected soil samples were analyzed at the Jožef Stefan Institute lab using high purity germanium detector, and radiological parameters such as radium equivalent, absorbed dose rate, indoor and outdoor annual effective dose rates, internal and external hazards indices, Gamma radiation representative level index and excess lifetime cancer risk for outdoor exposure were deducted. Higher values of activity concentrations were found for certain samples (values reaching 319.3 and 57.9 Bq/kg for Ra-226 and Th-232) when compared to UNSCEAR values. Higher values of these radiological parameters were also obtained when compared to the recommended limit and worldwide values (for example the maximum value of 176.10 ​nGy/h obtained for the absorbed dose rate was more than twice higher the worldwide average value of 84 ​nGy/h). Overall, five locations showed values above the norm. These locations have high values of excess lifetime cancer risk for outdoor exposure (0.3115×10-3 – 0.7525×10-3). The implication of these results is that there are locations around Kpogamé phosphate mining area with high probability of getting cancer from ionizing radiation associated to the environmental geology. Therefore, it is recommended to optimize the way to extract ores and avoid public to access the mining sites without knowing the level of radiation dose in this area.

Chemicals are listed on California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65) for their potential to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and certain chemicals from this list are often detected within interior vehicle dust and air. Therefore, this study examined the potential risk associated with five Prop 65-listed chemicals detected within vehicle interiors: benzene, formaldehyde, di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCIPP). Exposure estimates based on time spent within a vehicle were derived from a meta-analysis of estimated concentrations from the literature. Regulatory levels established by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) were then used to generate percent reference doses (%RfDs) for chemical-specific daily doses as well as determine the probability of risk (exceedance probability) as a function of %RfD for each chemical-specific daily dose. Based on our meta-analysis, benzene and formaldehyde were detected in vehicle interior air whereas DEHP, DBP and TDCIPP were detected in vehicle interior dust. Benzene and formaldehyde were the only two chemicals with an estimated %RfD > 100 across any of the commute times. For commute times of 20 min or longer, the %RfD was > 100 for maximum exposures based on the “maximum allowable daily level” for benzene, and for 95th-percentile exposures based on the “no significant risk level” for benzene and formaldehyde. Furthermore, the probability of exceeding 100% RfD was highest for cancer risks associated with benzene, followed by cancer risks associated with formaldehyde and the risk of reproductive and developmental toxicity associated with benzene. Lastly, within the entire state of California, the percent of commuters with a 10% probability of exceeding cancer risk associated with benzene or formaldehyde exposure was 78% and 63%, respectively. Overall, our study raises concerns about the potential risk associated with inhalation of benzene and formaldehyde for people who spend a significant amount of time in their vehicles, an issue that is especially pertinent to traffic-congested areas where people have longer commutes.

Surface and groundwater samples of the Jamalpur Sadar area of Bangladesh were evaluated for their suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes by different water quality indices, as well as human health risks were assessed. Piper diagram showed that the water quality of both sources represents Ca-Mg-HCO3 hydrochemical facies in which the equal dominance of alkaline earth metals and weak acids was observed. According to the water quality index (WQI) ratings, 95% of the groundwater samples were found in the ‘unsuitable’ category for drinking, while 18% of the surface and 25% of the groundwater samples identified as ‘suitable’ for irrigation usages. Heavy metals present in surface water varied from ‘low’ to ‘high’ class, and the mobility of metals in 22.7% samples was comparatively high in the aqueous phase. The calculated results of the heavy metal pollution index (HMPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HMEI), and environmental water quality index (EWQI) also showed almost similar trends with the WQI. The results revealed that surface water possessed more potential non-carcinogenic harmful health risks to the residents of the study area to compare to groundwater. As regards carcinogenic health risks, on average there is a possibility of 5 persons in every 106 developing cancer due to lifetime exposure to Cd through ingestion of groundwater. The study concluded that long term use of poor quality water may pose a hazard to human health, crops, and soils, and therefore require to be treated before using those waters for drinking and irrigation purposes.

There is a serious concern about the use of sodium benzoate in non-alcoholic carbonated (soft) drinks because of its mechanistic ability to convert to benzene, a classified carcinogen. It is this concern that drove this study to determine consumer exposures to sodium benzoate and possible health risks from intake of such soft drinks. A survey was conducted during which Google Forms were used to collect drink consumption data from 113 consumers including males and females. During this same period, 38 varieties of non-alcoholic carbonated (soft) drinks were collected from two major markets in Ghana. These drink samples were subsequently subjected to extraction protocols and the levels of sodium benzoate quantified using HPLC. Information from the Google Forms together with the quantification of sodium benzoate formed the basis of the determination of exposure of sodium benzoate according to the USEPA protocols. Using the Palisade @Risk software, elements of exposure of sodium benzoate (mg/mL ingested, volume-mL of non-alcoholic carbonated (soft) drink consumed, and body weight-kg of consumers) were integrated and iterated (at 105) to estimate the simulated chronic exposures. Simulated risks (hazard quotient, HQ, margin of exposure, MoE, and cancer risk, LTCR) were determined using thresholds obtained from regulatory bodies. High levels of sodium benzoate, above the acceptable limit of 150 mg/L based on USEPA recommendations, were detected in 6 (16%) of the 38 non-alcoholic carbonated (soft) drinks sampled. The results of the study showed that the concentrations of sodium benzoate ranged from a minimum of 51.0 mg/L to a maximum of 277.0 mg/L. It was clear that the consumption patterns of males created relatively high exposures leading to unsurprisingly higher risks compared to female consumers. The high-risk indices determined in this study, relative to regulatory thresholds (HQ>1, MoE10−6) are all serious indicators of grave public health concerns. These observations emphasize potential benzenes in our food chains and a call for a more forceful monitoring of product quality and safety to ensure adherence to standards.

Background: Nutrient profiling systems are increasingly used to characterize the healthfulness of foods for front-of-package (FOP) labeling, which have been proposed as an effective public health strategy to help people make healthier food choices., Objective: This study aimed to review available evidence from cohort studies that evaluated the association of dietary indices underpinning FOP nutrition labels with all-cause mortality and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) or cancer., Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched up to October 2023. We included articles if they were prospective cohort studies, if the exposure was any dietary index underpinning FOP nutrition labels [e.g., the modified Food Standard Agency-Nutrient Profiling System (FSAm-NPS) and the Health Star Rating System], and if outcomes were all-cause mortality or incidence of or mortality due to CVD and cancer. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs., Results: We identified 11 records (7 unique prospective studies), which were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis comprised 8 studies analyzing the FSAm-NPS dietary index (DI) as exposure. The pooled HRs associated with a 2-unit increase in the FSAm-NPS DI of all-cause mortality, CVD, and cancer risk were 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99, 1.13; I 2 : 80%), 1.08 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.18; I 2 : 70%), and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.19; I 2 : 77%), respectively. The Chilean Warning Label score and the Health Star Rating systems were examined by 1 study each and were significantly associated with the outcomes., Conclusions: DIs underpinning most common FOP nutrition labels and reflecting nutrient-poor diets show a tendency toward an increased incidence of CVD and cancer, but the observed effects are quite modest in magnitude. Further studies at the population level are needed to support the widely shared hypothesis that FOP labels, possibly in conjunction with other interventions, may contribute to reduce noncommunicable disease risk. This meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021292625., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Nutrition. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)