Association between serum iron status and the risk of colorectal cancer in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2001-2020.

Background: Maintaining iron homeostasis is crucial for preventing the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, Evidence regarding the correlation between serum iron status and CRC has been inconsistent. This population-based study aims to explore the potential association between serum iron status and CRC risk.
Methods: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) registry spanning from 2001 to 2020, a cross-sectional study involving 9504 participants was performed to assess the relationship between serum iron status and CRC risk. The study encompassed men and women of various racial backgrounds, aged 20 to 80, from across the United States. Participants' characteristics were presented using mean or proportion. The possible risk factor for CRC was examined using both univariable and multivariable analysis. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CRC in accordance with each quantile increment in serum iron item levels.
Results: After making full adjustment, our analysis did not reveal a statistically significant association between serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and the risk of CRC. While there was no statistically significant difference observed, an increasing ferritin concentration appeared to be associated with a decreased CRC risk when compared to the lowest quantile. Specifically, the ORs and 95% CIs for the second, third, and fourth quantiles (Q2, Q3, and Q4) versus the lowest quantile (Q1) were as follows: Q2 (vs. Q1) OR 0.403, 95% CI 0.063-2.568; Q3 (vs. Q1) OR 0.316, 95% CI 0.059-1.687; Q4 (vs. Q1) OR 0.250, 95% CI 0.050-1.258. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance (P for trend = 0.381).
Conclusion: Our analyze did not demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between serum iron status and the risk of CRC.
Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)