Iron and Cancer

Abstract

The idea that iron, and in particular iron overload, plays a role in the development of neoplasia has aroused considerable interest. Nevertheless, despite some persuasive arguments that iron overload favours development of cancer (Weinberg, 1992),much of this area remains controversial. Two separate situations need to be considered:

• Can abnormal forms of iron present in severe iron overload induce carcinogenesis and promote tumour development?

• Can modest iron overload, or even an iron status in which parameters are at the upper end of the normal range, predispose to cancer?