Toxic Metals Increasing the Risk of Cancers

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, Retired Pharmacist

This blog post on toxic metals and cancer is in active research and writing. Please check back for updates. 

1. Introduction

• Brief overview of the topic
• Importance of understanding the impact of toxic metals on cancer risk

1. Toxic Metals and Their Carcinogenic Effects

• Definition of toxic metals
• Common toxic metals associated with cancer risk: Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Mercury (Hg)
• Mechanisms of carcinogenicity
• Common exposures

III. Types of Cancers Linked to Toxic Metals

• Lung Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Gastric Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Bladder Cancer

1. Testing for Toxic Metals

• Methods of testing: Hair, Urine, Blood
• Hair Test: Long-term exposure detection
• Urine Test: Recent exposure detection
• Blood Test: Current exposure detection
• Procedure and interpretation of results
• ZRT – blood and urine test
• Mosaic urine test
• Mosaic Hair test

Chelation Therapy for Toxic Metal Detoxification

• Definition and purpose of chelation therapy
• Prescription medications for chelation: EDTA, DMSA, DMPS, OSR
• Supplements for chelation: Selenium, Garlic, Cilantro, Chlorella, Spirulina
• Risks and benefits of chelation therapy

1. Peer-Reviewed Journal References

• The preventive and carcinogenic effect of metals on cancer: a systematic review
• Heavy metals in biological samples of cancer patients: a systematic literature review
• Heavy metals: toxicity and human health effects

VII. Conclusion

• Summary of key points
• Importance of preventive measures and regular screening
• Call to action for further research and public awareness

Health concerns associated with high levels of toxic metals, along with the corresponding metals:

• Lead (Pb)
• Cognitive impairment and developmental delays in children
• Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases
• Mercury (Hg)
• Neurological disorders and cognitive deficits
• Kidney damage
• Arsenic (As)
• Skin lesions and hyperpigmentation
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Bone demineralization and osteoporosis
• Renal dysfunction
• Chromium (Cr)
• Respiratory issues and lung cancer
• Skin ulcers and dermatitis
• Nickel (Ni)
• Allergic reactions and dermatitis
• Respiratory problems

Reference Sources

Cleveland Clinic. Heavy Metal Poisoning (Toxicity). Published February 27, 2022. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23424-heavy-metal-poisoning-toxicity

WebMD. What is Heavy Metal Poisoning? Published March 15, 2022. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-heavy-metal-poisoning

Reference Sources

Khoshakhlagh, A.H., Mohammadzadeh, M. & Gruszecka-Kosowska, A. The preventive and carcinogenic effect of metals on cancer: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 24, 2079 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19585-5

Coradduzza, D., Congiargiu, A., Azara, E. et al. Heavy metals in biological samples of cancer patients: a systematic literature review. Biometals 37, 803–817 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10534-024-00583-4