Multi-Systemic Biological Risk and Cancer Mortality: The NHANES III Study

Multi-systemic biological risk (MSBR), a proxy for allostatic load, is a composite index of biomarkers representing dysregulation due to responses to chronic stress. This study examined the association of an MSBR index with cancer mortality. The sample included n = 13,628 adults aged 20-90 from the NHANES III Linked Mortality File (1988-1994). The MSBR index included autonomic (pulse rate, blood pressure), metabolic (HOMA_ir, triglycerides, waist circumference), and immune (white blood cell count, C-reactive protein) markers. We fit Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overall cancer mortality risk, according to quartiles (q) of the index. In multivariable models, compared to those in q1, q4 had a 64% increased risk for cancer mortality (HR = 1.64, 95% CI:1.13-2.40). The immune domain drove the association (HR per unit = 1.19, 95% CI:1.07-1.32). In stratified analyses, the HR for those with a BMI ≥ 25 was 1.12 per unit (95% CI:1.05-1.19) and those with a BMI < 25 was 1.04 per unit (95% CI:0.92-1.18). MSBR is positively associated with risk for cancer mortality in a US sample, particularly among those who are overweight or obese. The utilization of standard clinical measures comprising this index may inform population cancer prevention strategies.