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The leukocyte count and cancer mortality
1Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Northern California Region, Oakland 94611.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|February 15, 1991
Summary
Elevated leukocyte counts are linked to increased cancer mortality, particularly for smoking-related cancers. This association appears primarily driven by cigarette smoking, not the leukocyte count itself.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Previous research suggested a link between leukocyte count and cancer mortality.
- The role of leukocyte count in cancer incidence and mortality requires further investigation, especially concerning smoking status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between leukocyte count and cancer mortality and incidence.
- To determine if the leukocyte count-cancer association is influenced by smoking.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two large cohorts (25,000 for mortality, 160,000 for incidence) from the San Francisco Bay area.
- Follow-up for cancer incidence and mortality between 1964 and 1980.
- Statistical analysis controlling for smoking status.
Main Results:
- Leukocyte count correlated with overall cancer mortality, smoking-related cancers, and non-smoking-related cancers.
- The association was not significant for cancer mortality in nonsmokers.
- Leukocyte count was associated with smoking-related cancer incidence, partially explained by smoking.
- A weak association was observed for non-smoking-related cancers and all cancers in nonsmokers.
Conclusions:
- The observed link between leukocyte count and cancer mortality is largely attributable to cigarette smoking.
- Cigarette smoking increases the risk of certain cancers and cancer-related death.
- Leukocyte count may serve as an indirect marker for smoking-related cancer risk.