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Risk factors for esophageal cancer in a high-incidence area of Malawi.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer in a high-incidence area of Malawi.

Authors :
Geßner AL
Borkowetz A
Wilhelm TJ
Ludzu E
Baier M
Mastala Y
Nyirenda S
Mothes H
Source :
Cancer causes & control : CCC [Cancer Causes Control] 2021 Dec; Vol. 32 (12), pp. 1347-1354. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Aug 03.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Purpose: To explore associations of nutritional, infectious, and lifestyle factors with esophageal cancer (EC) occurrence in a high-risk area of Malawi.<br />Methods: This case-control study was performed with 227 patients undergoing endoscopy for dysphagia or other upper gastrointestinal complaints. Data on clinicopathological characteristics and risk factors were collected using a questionnaire developed for this study specifically. Ninety-eight blood samples were collected and the prevalence of antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella-zoster virus, and Helicobacter pylori were determined serologically.<br />Results: The tumor and control groups comprised 157 (69.2%) and 70 (31.8%) patients, respectively. Patients with tumors were significantly older than controls (55.5 vs. 43.5 years, p < 0.001). The male/female ratio did not differ between groups (59% and 54% male, respectively; p = 0.469). EC was associated with smoking (p < 0.001), and alcohol consumption (p = 0.020), but 43% of patients with tumors did not smoke or drink. EC was associated with the consumption of hot food and tea (p = 0.003) and smoked fish (p = 0.011). EC was not associated with any serologically investigated infectious agents. In an age adjusted binary logistic regression analysis of all nutritive factors, only locally made alcohol was significant [odds ratio (OR), 9.252; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.455-58.822; p = 0.018].<br />Conclusions: Apart from alcohol consumption and smoking, the consumption of hot food or tea and smoked fish are associated with EC. Locally distilled alcohol consumption increases the EC risk in Malawi.<br /> (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1573-7225
Volume :
32
Issue :
12
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Cancer causes & control : CCC
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34342770
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-021-01482-6