Epidemiological study of risk factors for esophageal cancer in Yangquan Area of Shanxi Province based on discordant sib pairs

Abstract

AIM: To explore the main environmental riskfactors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) based on discordant sib pairs (DSPs) in a moderately high-incidence area, Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, and to provide theoretical evidence for developing effective control and prevention measures in this area. METHODS: A 1∶1 matched case-control study was carried out. One hundred and twenty-seven DSPs were recruited from the cancer registration and follow-up system of the local hospital. All ESCC cases and their matched unaffected sibs were subjected to a survey to obtain demographic information along with personal and family history, and lifestyle factors. The McNemar test was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Compared with matched unaffected sibs, low family income (OR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.14-3.52, P = 0.0143), hot food eating and drinking (OR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.44-4.57, P = 0.0009) and heavy drinking (P = 0.0027) were risk factors for ESCC in the area. These factors play important roles in the development of ESCC, even in cases with a family history of ESCC, and the odds ratios (95%CI) were 2.18 (1.07-4.45), 5.00(1.91-13.06) and infi nity, respectively. CONCLUSION: Besides genetic factors, lack of nutrition, hot food eating and heavy drinking are main risk factors for ESCC in Yangquan City. Prevention and control of ESCC should be intervened at multiple levels, such as genetic factors and lifestyles.