Oesophageal Cancer Mortality in Europe
Author Information
Author(s): K.K. Cheng, N.E. Day, T.W. Davies
Primary Institution: Department of Community Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
Hypothesis
What factors have influenced the time trend of oesophageal cancer mortality in relation to smoking and drinking in Europe?
Conclusion
Changes in certain undetermined risk or protective factors, possibly including fruit consumption, may have reduced oesophageal cancer risk despite high tobacco and alcohol use.
Supporting Evidence
- Oesophageal cancer mortality trends differed from those of lung cancer and cirrhosis.
- Correlation between changes in oesophageal cancer mortality in men and women was strong (r = 0.85).
- Fruit consumption showed a negative correlation with oesophageal cancer mortality changes.
Takeaway
This study found that even though smoking and drinking are big risks for oesophageal cancer, other factors like eating more fruits might help lower the chances of getting it.
Methodology
The study analyzed age-specific mortality rates for oesophageal cancer in 17 European countries from 1951 to 1985 using data from the World Health Organisation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on mortality data which may not fully capture the effects of alcohol and tobacco.
Limitations
Some data on alcohol consumption were not available for certain countries and years.
Participant Demographics
The study included data from men and women across 17 European countries.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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