Cancer Risk Following Pernicious Anaemia
Author Information
Author(s): L.A. Brinton, G. Gridley, Z. Hrubec, R. Hoover, J.F. Fraumeni, Jr
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
What is the effect of pernicious anaemia on subsequent cancer incidence?
Conclusion
Patients with pernicious anaemia have an elevated risk of stomach cancer and other cancers.
Supporting Evidence
- An excess risk of stomach cancer was observed among patients with pernicious anaemia.
- Significant excesses were noted for cancers of the buccal cavity, pharynx, and stomach.
- Elevated risks of melanoma and multiple myeloma were also found.
- Risks of leukaemia were predominantly observed in the first year after diagnosis.
Takeaway
People with pernicious anaemia are more likely to get certain types of cancer, especially stomach cancer.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort analysis of patients diagnosed with pernicious anaemia from 1969 to 1985 in Veterans Administration hospitals.
Potential Biases
Possible under-representation of smokers and potential confounding from alcohol intake.
Limitations
Potential diagnostic misclassification and reliance on VA medical records for cancer follow-up.
Participant Demographics
5,161 white males with pernicious anaemia.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1-1.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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