By David Liu, PHD

Saturday ug 11, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Use of statins may help reduce risk of cancer, particularly hematopoietic malignancies, according to a new study in Preventing Chronic Disease.

The study led by M Lutsi of Tel Aviv University in Israel and colleagues found people who used statins constantly were 31 percent less likely to be diagnosed with  hematopoietic malignancies, compared to those who used statins not as constantly.

The study was intended to examine the association between persistent use of statins and the risk of primary cancer in adults as studies suggest that statins may inhibit tumor cell growth and potentially prevent carcinogenesis.

The study was based on data from 202,648 adults aged 21 or older who enrolled in a large health maintenance organization in Israel and purchased at least one pack of statin medication between 1998 and 2006.

During the study period, 8,662 incident cancers were identified.   Those who did not use statins persistently were at a higher risk for cancer.  

A strong negative association was found between persistent use of statin therapy and hematopoietic malignancies.  Patients who used statins for 86 percent of the follow-up time were 31 percent less likely to acquire hematopoietic malignancies, compared to those who used statins only for 12 percent of the follow-up time.

The study is not  a trial meaning that the results suggest only a possibility and do not mean that taking statins definitely lowers the cancer risk.  One possible contributing factor for the reduced cancer risk is that people who take stains may also be more likely to follow a healthier lifestyle and or a healthier diet, which actually reduces the risk.

Statins are known as a cholesterol lowering medication.  They are highly effective in reducing cholesterol, but their intended benefit, that is, reducing heart disease risk, may not be cost-effective for people who do not have health conditions, according to previous studies.

Statin use has been associated with many side effects or adverse effects.  Some alternatives to statins are safe and highly effective in lowering serum cholesterol.  Food consumers may try those alternatives before taking any drug.