Higher concentrations of serum iron and transferrin saturation but not serum ferritin are associated with cancer outcomes.

Background: Although the carcinogenic potential of iron has been shown, evidence from observational studies that have linked serum iron variables and cancer outcomes has been inconsistent.

Objective: We investigated whether higher iron concentrations increased risk of cancer outcomes.

Design: A prospective examination of iron biomarkers as independent risk factors for cancer was assessed in 1597 men and 1795 women aged 25-79 y who participated in the 1994/1995 Busselton Health Survey and had relevant data, no history of cancer before the survey, and serum ferritin concentrations ≥20 μg/L.