Plasma cholesterol, lipid lowering, and risk for cancer. An update of the results from epidemiologic studies and intervention trials.

Plasma cholesterol has been shown to be correlated to the incidence of cardiovascular events. This observation and experimental data on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis have led to a number of recommendations for the treatment of elevated plasma lipids by national and international consensus panels and organizations. However, the issue whether lowering cholesterol might increase the risk for other diseases including cancer is still controversial. In this article, an attempt is made to review the currently available data on the relation between plasma cholesterol and cancer. Special emphasis is given to the results of intervention trials aimed at lowering cholesterol by diet and/or drugs, because they apply best to the human situation and are particularly relevant for the clinician. Data from animal experiments are only briefly discussed.