Abstract
In order to analyze possible associations of lifestyle factors with esophageal cancer among non-smokers and non-drinkers, the authors carried out the present study. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of "mate" (infusion of the herb Ilex paraguariensis) drinking, which has been associated with most cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. The study was conducted at the Instituto Nacional de Oncología in Montevideo, Uruguay. Data corresponded to 73 esophageal cancer cases and 219 controls. A detailed questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic variables, occupation, family history of cancer, "mate" drinking, and a restricted list of dietary items including: red meat, processed meat, salted meat, barbecue, milk, fresh vegetables and fruits. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for major potential confounders, including age, sex, education, urban/rural status and region of birth. Moderate increases in risk were observed for: daily "mate" consumption (OR=2.2), age of quitting (OR=2.02), duration (OR=2.49) and intensity (OR=1.91), most of which were statistically significant. Consequently, our report demonstrates a particular role for "mate" consumption on esophageal cancer in Uruguay, regardless of other well-known risk factors.
Highlights
Os autores realizaram o presente estudo para analisar possíveis associações de fatores de estilo de vida com o câncer esofágico em não usuários de tabaco e bebida alcoólica
In order to analyze possible associations of lifestyle factors with esophageal cancer among non-smokers and non-drinkers, the authors carried out a study during the period between 1/January/1988 and 18/April/ 2002
Four hundred and sixty-six (466) new cases of esophageal cancer were admitted for treatment at the Instituto Nacional de Oncología in the study period
Summary
Os autores realizaram o presente estudo para analisar possíveis associações de fatores de estilo de vida com o câncer esofágico em não usuários de tabaco e bebida alcoólica. Nosso informe demonstra um rol particular para o consumo do “mate” no câncer esofágico no Uruguai, independentemente de outros bem conhecidos fatores de risco. “Mate”, the infusion of the herb Ilex paraguariensis, is a frequently consumed beverage in Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. A survey carried out in Uruguay showed that the local prevalence of “mate” consumption was 78%3. The survey found a high correlation between “mate” consumption and smoking. Previous reports on “mate” and cancer in humans have showed increased risks for cancer in the esophagus, oropharynx, larynx and bladder[5,6,7,8,9]. Taking into account the above mentioned high correlation between “mate” and tobacco consumption, and considering the difficulties for adequately controlling the confusion between these exposures, we decided to perform the present study excluding smokers and drinkers from the analysis.
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