Is Cadmium a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer - Results from a Nested Case-Control Study Using Data from the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study

Background: Some studies have shown that cadmium (Cd) is associated with breast cancer risk. One hypothesis is that Cd has estrogen-like properties. This case-control study investigated the association between breast cancer risk and blood Cd (BCd) levels. Methods: All breast cancers in the Malmo Diet and Cancer cohort were identified through linkage to the Swedish Cancer Registry, baseline (1991-1996) through 2014. Two controls per case were selected from the same cohort. BCd was analyzed at baseline. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Mean BCd was 0.51 mg/L among 1,274 cases and 0.46 among 2,572 controls. There was an overall increased risk of breast cancer [OR, 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.36] per mg/L of BCd. An increased risk was, however, only found at high BCd [OR, 1.34 (95% CI, 1.05-1.73)] for BCd more than 1.20 mg/L. The group with the highest BCd was mainly smokers. A spline indicated that at BCd less than 1.0 mg/L, the OR was not increased. The association with BCd was stronger in current smokers and at body mass index (BMI) above 25, while no modification due to receptor status was found. Conclusions: The results indicated increased risk of breast cancer only for high Cd exposure, which occurred mainly among smokers. This made it difficult to disentangle the effects of smoking and Cd, despite inclusion of smoking habits in the models. Impact: This study provides support for reducing Cd exposure through smoking cessation and dietary choice. On the population level, preventive measures against Cd pollution are warranted.

Automated summary

This case-control study found that high levels of cadmium exposure were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, primarily among smokers. Low levels of cadmium exposure did not show an increased risk. The results suggest the importance of reducing cadmium exposure through smoking cessation and dietary choices.