Oesophageal Cancer and Substance Use in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Wu M-T, Wu D-C, Hsu H-K, Kao E-L, Lee J-M
Primary Institution: Kaohsiung Medical University
Hypothesis
Does habitual substance use influence the anatomical site of oesophageal cancer in Taiwan?
Conclusion
Chewing areca and smoking cigarettes are associated with lesions in the upper and middle thirds of the oesophagus, respectively.
Supporting Evidence
- 18.5% of cancer lesions were located in the upper third of the oesophagus.
- 41.7% of cancer lesions were located in the middle third of the oesophagus.
- 26.5% of cancer lesions were located in the lower third of the oesophagus.
- Subjects with more than 400 betel-years were 2.91-fold more likely to develop cancer in the upper third.
- Smokers with more than 35 pack-years were 2.49-fold more likely to develop cancer in the middle third.
Takeaway
This study found that people who chew areca or smoke cigarettes are more likely to get certain types of oesophageal cancer in specific parts of their throat.
Methodology
The study recruited 309 male patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and used logistic regression to assess the association between cancer location and substance use.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias in self-reported substance use data.
Limitations
The study only included male patients and may not be generalizable to females.
Participant Demographics
309 Taiwanese male patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI=1.36–6.25
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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