Cancer epidemiology
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In view of the growing global obesity epidemic, this paper reviews the relation between recent trends in body mass index (BMI) and the changing profile of cancer worldwide. By examining seven selected countries, each representing a world region, a pattern of increasing BMI with region and gender-specific diversity is noted: increasing levels of BMI were most pronounced in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia), rather modest in Eastern Asia (India) and generally more rapid in females than in males. This observation translates into a disproportionate distribution of cancer attributable to high levels of BMI, ranging by sex from 4-9% in Saudi Arabia and from 0.2-1.2% in India. ⋯ Furthermore, questions surrounding the dose-response and timing of obesity and their associations with cancer remain to be answered. Improved surveillance of health risk factors including obesity as well as the scale and profile of cancer in every country of the world is urgently needed. This will enable the design of cost-effective actions to curb the growing burden of cancer related to excess body weight.
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Cancer epidemiology · Apr 2016
Tobacco and alcohol as risk factors for oesophageal cancer in a high incidence area in South Africa.
The Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which includes the former Transkei has high rates of squamous cell oesophageal cancer (OC), thought to be caused mainly by nutritional deficiencies and fungal contamination of staple maize. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at three of the major referral hospitals in this region to measure, among other suspected risk factors, the relative importance of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption for the disease in this population. ⋯ This study provides evidence for further reinforcement of cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption to curb OC development.
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Cancer epidemiology · Feb 2016
Socio-demographic disadvantage and distant summary stage of cancer at diagnosis--A population-based study in New South Wales.
Past studies generally indicate that socio-demographic disadvantage is associated with lower cancer survival but evidence of an association with stage of cancer at diagnosis has been less consistent. This study examines the associations between distant summary stage and remoteness, socio-economic status and country of birth in New South Wales for invasive cancers overall and by cancer site. ⋯ Our results highlight the importance of lower socio-economic status as a predictor of distant stage at diagnosis. Socio-demographic disadvantage patterns varied for specific cancers, but in general, policy actions are recommended that emphasize earlier detection of cancers in people from lower socio-economic areas.
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Cancer epidemiology · Dec 2015
European Code against Cancer 4th Edition: Obesity, body fatness and cancer.
It is estimated that over half the population of the European Union (EU) is overweight or obese due to an imbalance between energy expenditure and energy intake; this is related to an obesogenic environment of sociocultural, economic and marketing challenges to the control of body weight. Excess body fat is associated with nine cancer sites - oesophagus, colorectum, gall bladder, pancreas, postmenopausal breast, endometrium, ovary, kidney and prostate (advanced) - and 4-38% of these cancers (depending on site and gender) can be attributed to overweight/obesity status. ⋯ Excess body weight is also a risk factor for several other diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, and is related to higher risk of premature death. In reviewing the current evidence related to excess body fat and cancer, the European Code against Cancer Nutrition Working Group has developed the following recommendation: 'Take action to be a healthy body weight'.
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Cancer epidemiology · Dec 2015
Genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genes and risk of lung cancer in a North Indian population.
A number of studies done so far in different populations have shown that polymorphisms within the GST genes play an important role in determining individual susceptibility to lung cancer; however, data obtained so far have been contradictory within the same or different populations. Few studies have focused on the combinatorial effect of the GST genes on susceptibility to lung cancer and also for different histological subtypes. Our aim is to investigate the roles of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms as genetic modifiers of risk for lung cancer and histological subtypes using a larger sample size in a North Indian population. ⋯ The deficient GST genotypes seem thus to be important risk modifiers for lung cancer and related histological subtypes, especially in combination.