Oesophageal cancer and distilleries in Scotland

[Risk factors for cancer of the esophagus: a case control study in a metropolitan area of south-eastern Brazil]

The association between esophageal cancer and smoking and drinking habits, instruction and nutritional factors was examined by means of the utilization of data of a case-control study which was undertaken in the city of S. Paulo (Brazil). Eighty five cases were compared with two hundred and ninety two hospital controls, with different diseases, including other kinds of cancer. The crude estimations of the odds ratios were calculated for all the variables. Logistic regression was used in the next steps of the analysis. The drinking habit [odds ratio = 3.68, 95% confidence interval (1.74 - 7.78)], the smoking habit [odds ratio 4.86; 95% confidence interval (1.95 - 12.13)] and the frequent eating of hot pepper [odds ratio = 2.48; 95% confidence interval (1.46 - 4.23)] are important risk factors for the disease. The estimate of odds ratio for smoking ordinary cigarette was 3.43 (1.31-8.97) and for smoking of corn straw hand-rolled cigarrette was of 4.18 (1.38-12.66).

Smoking, alcohol and oral cancer in south east Scotland: a 10-year experience

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship of oral carcinoma to tobacco and alcohol consumption in patients referred over a 10-year period.

DESIGN

Analysis of records obtained for the age of presentation, the tobacco and alcohol intake, the site and type of carcinoma.

SETTING

All patients with carcinoma of the mouth and associated structures referred to the Joint Onocology/Maxillofacial Clinic at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by General Medical and Dental Practitioners together with hospitals and hospital departments within South East Scotland.

SUBJECTS

A total of 454 patients, with a mean age of presentation for males of 63.8 years, for females 68.0 years.

RESULTS

58% of those with carcinoma had a smoking history, with 24% drinking more than 20 units of alcohol per week. 60% of patients with oral tumours smoked. The tongue and floor of mouth were the most common sites, and over 95% of tumours here were squamous cell carcinoma. A high proportion of patients with floor of mouth tumours had a smoking history (79%) with a higher than average alcohol consumption (41% drank over 20 units).

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that these two carcinogens, smoking and alcohol, could be site specific in the oral cavity, and have an additive role. In public health terms the Scottish people need to reduce the intake of both in order to adequately reduce their risk of having oral carcinomas.