Statin study reveals 'cancer risk'

People who lower their cholesterol levels with statin drugs are at a small increased risk of cancer, a study showed.

Researchers investigating the side effects of statins analysed data from 13 trial treatment arms involving more than 41,000 patients.

Unexpectedly, they found a small but noticeable association between taking statins and being diagnosed with any form of cancer. For every 1,000 people taking statins there was one additional case of cancer above the normal rate.

Statins reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" form of cholesterol that can lead to blocked arteries and heart attacks.

Study leader Professor Richard Karas, from Tufts University School of Medicine in Massachusetts, US, said: "This analysis doesn't implicate the statin in increasing the risk of cancer. The demonstrated benefits of statins in lowering the risk of heart disease remain clear; however, certain aspects of lowering LDL with statins remain controversial and merit further research."

The findings are published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The British Heart Foundation stressed that for those who need them, the health benefits of taking statins far outweigh the risks.

June Davison, the charity's cardiac nurse, said: "This research shows a very small increase in the cases of newly diagnosed cancer in patients with low LDL cholesterol who were taking statins. While this highlights an association between low levels of LDL and cancer, this is not the same as saying that low LDL or statin use increases the risk of cancer.

"There is overwhelming evidence that lowering LDL cholesterol through statins saves lives by preventing heart attacks and strokes. These findings do not change the message that the benefits of taking statins greatly outweigh any potential risks.

"People should not stop taking their statin treatment on the basis of this research. If people have any concerns they should consult their doctor."

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