Evaluation of serum Selenium level as a risk factor for Colorectal cancer

Abstract

Selenium, an antioxidant enzyme component, has been shown to protect against colorectal cancer risk. A diet is the primary source of these antioxidants, and selenium level is inversely related to colorectal cancer risk and may be responsible for around 50% of colorectal cancer risk. The study aims to evaluate selenium levels as a marker for colorectal cancer risk. The participants in this study were 180 individuals, comprising patients and healthy people, separated into two distinct groups: The first comprised 90 cases, 47 of them were men, and 43 were female patients. The second group had 90 healthy individuals, including 60 men and 30 women. All individuals were subjected to blood sampling to determine serum selenium by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The mean serum selenium concentration in the colorectal cancer group was significantly lower (P< 0.01) than in healthy control people. The result shows a strong association between low levels of selenium and the risk of colorectal cancer. Keywords: Selenium, Colorectal cancer