Statins and Breast Cancer: Evaluating the Cholesterol Level and Effect on Female Mortality Rates

Abstract

Statins, commonly used for lipid lowering through inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and the mevalonate pathway, have been increasingly investigated for potential anticancer effects in breast cancer. Cholesterol metabolism plays a key role in tumor biology by supporting estrogen synthesis and through 27-hydroxycholesterol, which promotes estrogen receptor signaling and tumor progression. Obesity further contributes to breast cancer risk by altering lipid metabolism and increasing estrogen production, particularly in postmenopausal women. Observational studies suggest an association between statin use, improved cholesterol profiles, and reduced breast cancer mortality, although causality remains unproven. Overall, cholesterol metabolism represents a potentially modifiable pathway in breast cancer, and statins may have adjunctive therapeutic value, but prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm their effect on survival outcomes.