The researchers concluded that elevated body iron may be conducive to cancer. As compelling as these findings may appear, however, findings from subsequent studies conflict with them. Since 1992 Dr. Victor Herbert has advocated universal screening for iron disorders on the ground that in its early stages iron overloading is symptomless and correctable. Most physicians do not routinely screen patients for iron overloading. According to Sharon McDonnell, a medical epidemiologist at the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, most physicians may still regard iron overloading as a rare genetic disease and can easily miss it during the routine family-history portion of medical exams.
Most experts consider the serum ferritin test the best means of measuring iron stored in organs.
Sid Rosen, M.S., M.Sc., is a freelance writer on medical and nutrition topics. He is writing a book on iron-deficiency anemia.