New evidence
A meta-analysis of 16 studies found higher selenium tied to a 19% lower risk of colon cancer — but not for rectal cancer or colorectal cancer overall.
This is among the first meta-analyses to link selenium levels with colon cancer risk, but the same study failed to find a significant effect on rectal or overall colorectal cancer, so the result is intriguing but far from settled.
Researchers pooled 16 studies and found that people with higher selenium exposure had a 19% lower risk of developing colon cancer (RR=0.81, 95% CI=0.68–0.97). However, when they looked at rectal cancer or colorectal cancer as a whole, the association was not statistically significant. Because this is an early finding on a pairing with little prior data, it should be viewed as suggestive rather than conclusive.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Selenium for Reduced Colitis-Related Mortality — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
Low level of selenium predicts high incidence of colorectal cancer.
- Meta-Analysis
- n = 16
- 2026-04-07
- BMC public health
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.