Multivariate Analysis of Cancer Mortalities for Selected Sites in 24 Countries

Abstract

In order to analyze the pattern in the geographical distribution of cancer death in 24 countries of the void, correlation coeffcients were calculated between pairs of mortality rates of different cancer sites, ing the data for 13 sites in males and 14 sites in females over 18 years from 1950 to 1967. Then factor analysis by means of varimax method was performed on 13 x 13 correlation matrix for males, 14 x 14 correlation matrix for females and 27 x 27 correlation matrix for males and females combined.As a result of factor analysis, three factors are extracted, which are commonly recognized in both males and females. The first factor has high positive factor loadings on pancreas, prostate (for males), skin, and intesine cancers, and negative loadings on stomach and lver cancers. The second factor has high positive factor loings on rectum, intestine, and lung cancers, and the third factor on larynx, oral, and esophagus cancers. Factor analysis based on 27 x 27 correlation matrix revealed that the third factor of both sexes are heterogeneous with regards to the distributions of the factor score.In order that we may find some clues to develop an etiological hypothesis for each site of cancer, we obtained the correlation coeffcient between the scores of the extracted factors and the variables on food and environmental agent, and performed stepwise regression methods as well. One of the most striking results we obtained was that excessive drinking of alcohol and the lack of appropriate intake of fruit are suspected as etiological promoters in the pathogenesis of oral, esophagus, and larynx cancers in males.

Are energy and energy‐providing nutrients related to exocrine carcinoma of the pancreas?

“…International correlation studies by gender seem inconsistent. One study found a correlation with mortality (but not incidence) of pancreas cancer in women only (Armstrong et al, 1975), whereas another study showed positive correlations with pancreatic cancer mortality in both men and women (Yanai et al, 1979).…”

“…fats and oils, animal protein, sugar and meat (Lea, 1967; Armstrong and Doll, 1975;Maruchi et al, 1977;Yanai et al, 1979). Animal research has suggested dietary factors, i.e.…”

“…Our findings suggest that the development of exocrine pancreatic carcinoma is positively related to past habitual intake of total energy, total carbohydrates and simple sugars, whereas no relationship with body-mass index was observed.On an international level, positive correlations have been demonstrated between the incidence andlor mortality of pancreas cancer and estimates of per capita consumption of energy-providing foods and nutrients, i.e. fats and oils, animal protein, sugar and meat (Lea, 1967; Armstrong and Doll, 1975;Maruchi et al, 1977;Yanai et al, 1979). Animal research has suggested dietary factors, i.e.…”

“…On an international level, positive correlations have been demonstrated between the incidence andlor mortality of pancreas cancer and estimates of per capita consumption of energy-providing foods and nutrients, i.e. fats and oils, animal protein, sugar and meat (Lea, 1967; Armstrong and Doll, 1975;Maruchi et al, 1977;Yanai et al, 1979). Animal research has suggested dietary factors, i.e.…”

Correlation patterns of cancer relative frequencies with some socioeconomic and demographic indicators in Brazil: An ecologic study

“…Some studies have demonstrated a negative relationship between stomach and colon cancer morbidity or mortality (Wynder and Shigematsu, 1967;Yanai et al, 1979) and between stomach cancer frequency and socioeconomic variables (Armstrong and Doll, 1975). We were not able to confirm these findings.…”