Furthermore, when samples taken following a diagnosis of cancer were compared with those taken before a diagnosis of cancer the proportion of cases with albumin (⩾35 g l−1, 74 vs 81%) adjusted calcium (>2.60 mmol l−1, 3 vs 5%), Alk phos (>280 U l−1, 15 vs 18%), ALT (⩾50 U l−1, 10 vs 11%). Here, ALB is linked to cancer.