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SUMMARY It is known that obesity and occupational airborne exposure such as dust are among risk factors of esophageal cancer development, in particular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of esophagus. Here, we tested whether these factors could also affect aberrant DNA methylation. DNAs from 44 fresh tumor tissues and 19 non-tumor adjacent normal tissues, obtained from 44 patients affected by SCC of esophagus (SCCE), were studied for methylation at the CDKN2A/p16 gene promoter by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay. Statistical methods were used to assess association of promoter methylation with biopathological, clinical, and personal information data, including obesity and airborne exposures. Methylation at the CDKN2A/p16 gene promoter was detected in 12 out of 44 tumor samples. None of the non-tumor tissues exhibited the aberrant methylation. Our results confirmed previously described significant association with low tumor stage ( P= 0.002); in addition, we found that obesity ( P= 0.001) and occupational exposure ( P= 0.008) were both significantly associated with CDKN2A/p16 promoter methylation. This study provides evidence that obesity and occupational exposure increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer through an enhancement of CDKN2A/p16 promoter methylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In early 2021, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan was announced on World Cancer Day. While the European Commission’s plan does not include a focus on secondary cancers prevention, the secondary cancers are the sixth most common group of malignancies.The review aims to 1) synthesize the existing approaches and interventions for cancer prevention in young cancer patients and survivors, 2) deliver evidence-based recommendations for how to best adapt the existing cancer prevention guidelines for young cancer survivors including children, adolescents or young adults (AYA). Methods: Four major databases (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO, PsycNET) were screened for relevant literature on cancer prevention in childhood and AYA cancer patients and survivors using a combination of terms. Results: The search yielded 2,712 unique articles from which 32 met the inclusion criteria. Few existing studies focus on AYA or directly address cancer prevention in young survivors. More emphasis is needed on other preventative measures beyond healthy diet and physical exercise. Conclusions: This review revealed a gap in the translational research in cancer prevention for young people with cancer. The findings emphasize that childhood and AYA cancer patients and survivors need not be overlooked. A pan-European research framework for prevention of second primary cancer among young people is recommended to gain knowledge on how to best adapt the measures against second primary cancers in youth. Key messages: • Developing targeted cancer prevention measures in young cancer survivors may lower the burden of second primary cancers as well as attenuate the fear of recurrence, one of the most prevalent worries. • A pan-European research framework for prevention of second primary cancer among young people is recommended to gain knowledge on how to best adapt the measures against second primary cancers in youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]