Serum selenium and the risk of prostate cancer
Citation
Stancoff-Hon, Chelsea & Carter, John.(2007).Serum selenium and the risk of prostate cancer. In Proceedings : 3rd Annual Symposium : Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. Wichita, KS : Wichita State University, p.139-140
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of serum selenium levels and the risk of
developing prostate cancer. It has been documented that antioxidants reduce the incidence of cancer by eradicating free radicals
that damage DNA, thus increasing the risk of cancer. Selenium is a component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione
peroxidase, whose role in cancer prevention has been controversial in the last 40 years. Methodology: A systematic review of
evidence-based literature was performed utilizing the following search engines: MEDLINE FirstSearch, ArticleFirst,
dissertations, and Paper’s First and a bibliographic search of selected articles. MeSH ( medical subject heading terms) and text
words utilized in this study include: serum, selenium, prostate, neoplasia, risk, nutrition, adenocarcinoma, male, prostatic
intraepithelial neoplasm, and prostatic neoplasia. Results: The results of the evidence-based literature results are consistent with
the epidemiologic studies available at this time. The best quality evidence suggests that higher selenium levels decrease a man’s
risk of developing prostate cancer. However, because of unaccounted for confounders including family history of prostate cancer
and educational level, it is not recommended that providers prescribe selenium as preventive medicine combating prostate cancer.
Nevertheless, individuals who have a higher intake of selenium may benefit from its protective effects
Description
Paper presented to the 3rd Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, April 27, 2007.
Research completed at the Department of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions