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Abstract
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Cancer, a complex and devastating disease, remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While genetic predisposition plays a significant role, an increasing body of evidence highlights the critical contribution of environmental factors to cancer development . Among these factors, exposure to heavy metals has emerged as a prominent concern, with studies linking chronic exposure to a variety of malignancies. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr), are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, stemming from both natural sources and anthropogenic activities, including industrial processes, agricultural practices, and waste disposal . These metals, even at low concentrations, can accumulate in biological tissues and induce various forms of toxicity, including carcinogenic effects through mechanisms like oxidative stress, DNA damage, and epigenetic alterations.
The impact of heavy metal exposure on cancer risk is particularly concerning in regions where environmental contamination is prevalent. Iraq, a nation with a history of industrial activities and conflict, faces considerable environmental challenges, potentially leading to elevated human exposure to heavy metals . However, comprehensive data on heavy metal levels in the Iraqi population, especially among cancer patients, are lacking. This information gap is concerning because it hinders effective public health interventions and cancer prevention strategies in the country. Understanding the burden of heavy metal exposure and its correlation with cancer incidence is crucial for developing evidence-based public health policies and tailored interventions .
This research aims to address this critical knowledge gap by investigating the levels of specific heavy metals in the blood serum of cancer patients across different regions of Iraq. By quantifying the concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and chromium, this study seeks to identify potent
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