Modified metabolic syndrome and second cancers in women: A case control study

According to some studies, the metabolic syndrome causes diverse primary cancers; however, there is no evidence about metabolic syndrome impact on second cancers development in women.

To find out the implication of the modified metabolic syndrome in women with second cancers.

This was a case-control study, at a general hospital in Mexico City, in women with second cancers (cases) and age-matched women with only one neoplasm (controls). The analysis comprised: Tumor (s), anthropometric features, and body mass index (BMI); moreover, presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and fasting serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose.

The sample was of nine cases and 27 controls. In cases, the metabolic syndrome (diabetes mellitus or glucose > 99 mg/dL + hypertension or blood pressure ≥ 135/85 mm Hg + triglycerides > 149 mg/dL or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) was more frequent (odds ratio 20.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.9-227.1).

Our results suggest that in women, the modified metabolic syndrome may be a risk factor for second cancers.