Oesophageal cancer studies in the Caspian Littoral of Iran: Results of a case-control study

Abstract

Summary.-The results are presented of a case-control study conducted in the north of Iran. The main aim was to study factors identified in a previous study as potentially causally related to cancer of the oesophagus. Other tumours (lung, stomach, breast, large bowel, larynx and pharynx) were included to distinguish findings specific for oesophageal cancer from general characteristics of cancer patients, due for example to ascertainment bias, and to verify that expected associations, such as between lung cancer and cigarette smoking, would emerge under the prevailing field conditions. Two controls were chosen per case, matched for village of residence, age, sex and language group. Reinterviewing was performed to a limited extent to assess the accuracy of replies to questionnaires. The following were found not to be associated with oesophageal cancer: consumption of sheep's milk and yoghurt, sesame oil, chewing of nass, making of carpets, use of pregnancy diets, salting and sun-drying of meat and use of wild spinach. The use of opium, bread and tea could not be assessed in the retrospective framework. Strongly associated with risk of oesophageal cancer were low socio-economic status and low intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. The two factors each had an independent effect, and were more marked for oesophageal cancer than for the other tumours.

Helicobacter pylori and oesophageal and gastric cancers in a prospective study in China

“…These two exposures are major risk factors for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Western populations (Brown et al, 1994(Brown et al, , 2001), but play a much smaller role in such high-risk areas, such as Linxian (Tran et al, 2005) or northeastern Iran (Cook-Mozaffari et al, 1979;Islami et al, 2004).…”

Validity and reliability of a new food frequency questionnaire compared to 24 h recalls and biochemical measurements: pilot phase of Golestan cohort study of esophageal cancer

“…Etiologic factors responsible for these high rates are largely unknown (Islami et al, 2004), and only two studies have examined the role of diet in association with oesophageal cancer in this area (Hormozdiari et al, 1975;Cook-Mozaffari et al, 1979). Residents in the high incidence areas had lower intake of vitamins A and C, riboflavin, animal proteins and fresh vegetables and fruits and a higher consumption of sheep and goat milk than that of residents in other areas (Hormozdiari et al, 1975).…”

Food groups and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus: a case–control study in Uruguay

“…Nutritional deficiencies have been suspected as risk factors for squamous cell oesophageal cancer for more than 20 years in Eastern countries, like Iran and China (Cook-Mozaffari et al, 1979;Thurnham et al, 1988;Hu et al, 1994). Recent reviews reported on the protective role of vegetables and fruits (Cheng and Day 1996;World Cancer Research Fund 1997).…”