Estimating the uranium content in blood samples of healthy and cancer-affected women in the city center of Al-Muthanna governorate, Iraq

Uranium (U) is a heavy metal with chemical toxicity and radiological hazards. Chronic exposure, even at low concentrations, may contribute to serious health risks, including cancer. For this reason, it was necessary to measure the uranium content (UC) in blood samples of two groups of women (healthy and cancer patients) residing in the city center of Al-Muthanna Governorate. The Fission Track Analysis (FTA) technique with a CR-39 detector was applied to evaluate the UC in blood samples. Statistical comparisons between concentrations were performed using an independent t -test (p ≤ 0.05). The result illustrates that the UC in blood samples of the healthy women ranged from (0.74 ± 0.04 to 2.22 ± 0.04) with an average value equal to 1.14 ± 0.06 μg/l. In contrast, the UC for the cancer group ranged from (1.70 ± 0.04 to 4.22 ± 0.06) μg/l, with the mean value equal to 2.93 ± 0.05 μg/l. The findings revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in UC between the two groups, suggesting a correlation between the incidence of cancer in Iraqi women and elevated levels of UC in their blood. Preliminary observation showed higher UC among women working in the health sector (1.50 μg/l for healthy women and 3.59 μg/l for patients) compared to women in other occupations included in this study. Indicating a potential relationship between occupation type and increased UC. However, this association remains unconfirmed and requires further studies. • Uranium concentrations were estimated in blood samples of women from Al-Muthanna city center. • The study included both healthy women and those diagnosed with cancer. • Blood samples were analyzed using appropriate radiochemical methods. • Cancer-affected women showed higher uranium concentrations than healthy ones. • The results suggest a possible link between uranium exposure and cancer incidence.