Neutrophil count, cancer incidence and cancer mortality: disparate relationships by race

Abstract

Abstract Studies have demonstrated an association between elevated levels of total white blood cell (WBC) count, within the clinically normal range, and an increased risk of overall cancer incidence and mortality. However, a paucity of data exists on the relationship between WBC subtypes and cancer outcomes. We hypothesize that chronic low-grade inflammation in healthy individuals, reflected by elevated neutrophil count, is associated with an increased risk of subsequent cancer incidence and mortality. To test this hypothesis, we prospectively evaluated the association between neutrophil count, cancer incidence, and mortality in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Commu..