CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Esophageal cancer is the eighth commonest type of cancer worldwide, occupying sixth place in terms of mortality. Smoking and alcohol use are known risk factors for this type of cancer. The aim here was to evaluate the risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case-control study in Goiânia, with 99 cases of esophageal cancer and 223 controls.
METHODS:The variables were sociodemographic, dietary, occupational and lifestyle data. The sample was analyzed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and Mantel-Haenszel approach for multivariate analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 5% significance and 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS:The risk of esophageal cancer was higher in patients ≥ 55 years (OR = 1.95; P < 0.001). Patients from rural areas were at greater risk of esophageal cancer (OR = 4.9; P < 0.001). Smoking was a risk factor among the cases (OR = 3.8; P < 0.001), as was exposure to woodstoves (OR = 4.42; P < 0.001). The practice of oral sex was not a risk factor (OR = 0.45; P = 0.04). Consumption of apples, pears, vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and fruit juices were protective against esophageal cancer. CONCLUSION: In a region in which the incidence of esophageal cancer is low, the most significant risk factors were exposure to woodstoves, smoking and living in rural areas. A amostra foi analisada pelo teste do qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney e de Mantel-Haenszel para análise multivariada. Foram calculados a odds ratio (OR) com significância em 5% e o intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: O risco de câncer de esôfago foi maior em pacientes ≥ 55 anos (OR = 1,95, P < 0,001). Pacientes de áreas rurais estavam em risco maior de câncer de esôfago (OR = 4,9; P < 0,001). O tabagismo foi um fator de risco entre os casos (OR = 3,8; P < 0,001), bem como exposição ao fogão a lenha (OR = 4,42; P < 0,001). A prática do sexo oral não foi fator de risco (OR = 0.45; P = 0,04). Consumo de maçãs, peras, legumes, vegetais crucíferos e sucos de frutas foi protetor contra o câncer de esôfago. CONCLUSÃO: Em uma região em que a incidência de câncer de esôfago é baixa, os fatores de risco mais significativos foram a exposição a fogão a lenha, tabagismo e viver em zona rural. I MD. Head
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