Risk Of Tobacco-related Cancers Research Articles

Canadians’ knowledge of cancer risk factors and belief in cancer myths

BackgroundMany untrue statements about cancer prevention and risks are circulating. The objective of this study was to assess Canadians’ awareness of known cancer risk factors and cancer myths (untruths or statements that are not completely true), and to explore how awareness may vary by sociodemographic and cognitive factors.MethodsCancer myths were identified by conducting scans of published, grey literature, and social media. Intuitive-analytic thinking disposition scores included were actively open- and close-minded thinking, as well as preference for intuitive and effortful thinking. A survey was administered online to participants aged 18 years and older through Prolific. Results were summarized descriptively and analyzed using chi-square tests, as well as Spearman rank and Pearson correlations.ResultsResponses from 734 Canadians were received. Participants were better at identifying known cancer risk factors (70% of known risks) compared to cancer myths (49%). Bivariate analyses showed differential awareness of known cancer risk factors (p < 0.05) by population density and income, cancer myths by province, and for both by ethnicity, age, and all thinking disposition scores. Active open-minded thinking and preference for effortful thinking were associated with greater discernment. Tobacco-related risk factors were well-identified (> 90% correctly identified), but recognition of other known risk factors was poor (as low as 23% for low vegetable and fruit intake). Mythical cancer risk factors with high support were consuming additives (61%), feeling stressed (52%), and consuming artificial sweeteners (49%). High uncertainty of causation was observed for glyphosate (66% neither agreed or disagreed). For factors that reduce cancer risk, reasonable awareness was observed for HPV vaccination (60%), but there was a high prevalence in cancer myths, particularly that consuming antioxidants (65%) and organic foods (45%) are protective, and some uncertainty whether drinking red wine (41%), consuming vitamins (32%), and smoking cannabis (30%) reduces cancer risk.ConclusionsWhile Canadians were able to identify tobacco-related cancer risk factors, many myths were believed and numerous risk factors were not recognized. Cancer myths can be harmful in themselves and can detract the public’s attention from and action on established risk factors.

Opium, phencyclidine, and crack cocaine smoking associations with lung and upper aerodigestive tract cancers: exploratory findings from a case-control study in Los Angeles County

ABSTRACT Background: Illicit drug use has become a global epidemic, yet it is unclear if drug smoking increases the risk of tobacco-related cancers. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate hypothesized associations between smoking three drugs – opium, phencyclidine (PCP) and crack cocaine and lung and upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers. Methods: A population-based case-control study with 611 lung cancer cases (50% male), 601 UADT cancers cases (76% male), and 1,040 controls (60% male) was conducted in Los Angeles County (1999–2004). Epidemiologic data including drug smoking histories were collected in face-to-face interviews. Associations were estimated with logistic regressions. Results: Adjusting for potential confounders, ever vs. never crack smoking was positively associated with UADT cancers (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.33), and a dose-response relationship was observed for lifetime smoking frequency (p for trend = .024). Heavy (> median) vs. never crack smoking was associated with UADT cancers (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.08) and lung cancer (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.88, 2.83). A positive association was also observed between heavy PCP smoking and UADT cancers (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 0.91, 5.79). Little or no associations were found between opium smoking and lung cancer or UADT cancers. Conclusion: The positive associations between illicit drug use and lung and/or UADT cancers suggest that smoking these drugs may increase the risk of tobacco-related cancers. Despite the low frequency of drug smoking and possible residual confounding, our findings may provide additional insights on the development of lung and UADT cancers.

Cancer disparities related to poverty and rurality for 22 top cancers in Florida

We aimed to examine poverty and rurality as potential predictors of cancer health disparities. This cross-sectional study used data from the Florida Cancer Data System on all cancer diagnoses in the years 2014–2018 to determine age-adjusted incidence and mortality (per 100,000 population) for the 22 most common cancer sites within rural and urban counties, and high poverty and low poverty communities. Rural/urban and high/low poverty related cancer disparities were tested for statistical significance using the Rate Ratio statistical test. Overall cancer incidence was significantly lower in rural areas than in urban, but significantly higher in high poverty communities. Rurality and poverty were both associated with disparity in cancer incidence risk for tobacco-related cancers. The overall mortality was 22% higher in high poverty areas compared to low poverty areas. Ten cancer sites had mortality disparity from 83% to 17% higher in high poverty areas. Only three cancer sites, all tobacco-related, had higher mortality in rural areas than urban areas, demonstrating the intersectional nature of inhaled and smokeless tobacco use in rural low-income communities. Cancer and mortality rates in rural and urban areas may be largely driven by poverty. The high disparities related to high poverty areas reflects poor access to preventative care and treatment. Low income communities, rural or urban, will require focused efforts to address challenges specific to each population.

Randomized Crossover Trial Evaluating Detoxification of Tobacco Carcinogens by Broccoli Seed and Sprout Extract in Current Smokers.

Simple SummaryCruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with reduced risk of tobacco-related cancers. Broccoli seed and sprout extract (BSSE) is rich in the isothiocyanate glucoraphanin, which is hydrolyzed to the phytochemical sulforaphane, a potent inducer of cytoprotective enzymes. This randomized, crossover trial evaluated detoxification of tobacco carcinogens by two doses of the BSSE Avmacol® in 49 otherwise healthy tobacco smokers. The higher dose (296 µmol of glucoraphanin daily) significantly upregulated detoxification of benzene, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde.Consumption of cruciferous vegetables, rich in the isothiocyanate glucoraphanin, is associated with reduced risk of tobacco-related cancers. Sulforaphane, released by hydrolysis of glucoraphanin, potently induces cytoprotective phase II enzymes. Sulforaphane decreased the incidence of oral cancer in the 4NQO carcinogenesis model. In residents of Qidong, China, broccoli seed and sprout extracts (BSSE) increased detoxification of air pollutants benzene and acrolein, also found in tobacco smoke. This randomized, crossover trial evaluated detoxification of tobacco carcinogens by the BSSE Avmacol® in otherwise healthy smokers. Participants were treated for 2 weeks with both low and higher-dose BSSE (148 µmol vs. 296 µmol of glucoraphanin daily), separated by a 2-week washout, with randomization to low-high vs. high-low sequence. The primary endpoint was detoxification of benzene, measured by urinary excretion of its mercapturic acid, SPMA. Secondary endpoints included bioavailability, detoxification of acrolein and crotonaldehyde, modulation by GST genotype, and toxicity. Forty-nine participants enrolled, including 26 (53%) females with median use of 20 cigarettes/day. Low and higher-dose BSSE showed a mean bioavailability of 11% and 10%, respectively. Higher-dose BSSE significantly upregulated urinary excretion of the mercapturic acids of benzene (p = 0.04), acrolein (p < 0.01), and crotonaldehyde (p = 0.02), independent of GST genotype. Retention and compliance were high resulting in early study completion. In conclusion, BSSE significantly upregulated detoxification of the tobacco carcinogens benzene, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde in current tobacco smokers.

Abstract LB221: Randomized crossover trial evaluating detoxication of tobacco carcinogens by broccoli seed and sprout extract in heavy smokers

Abstract Randomized crossover trial evaluating detoxication of tobacco carcinogens by broccoli seed and sprout extract in heavy smokersJulie E. Bauman, Chiu-Hsieh Hsu, Sara Centuori, Jose Guillen-Rodriguez, Linda Garland, Emily Ho, Lisa Bengtson, Malgorzata Wojtowicz, Eva Szabo, H-H Sherry ChowIntroduction: Diets high in cruciferous vegetables are associated with reduced risk of tobacco-related cancers. Crucifers are rich in the phytochemical glucoraphanin (GR), which is hydrolyzed by myrosinase to its bioactive form, sulforaphane (SF). SF upregulates the NRF2 transcription factor and downstream target genes in the antioxidant response element. As GR is concentrated in broccoli seeds relative to mature plants, broccoli seed preparations (BSP) are under development as chemopreventive agents. BSP increased detoxication of air pollutants including benzene in Qidong, China. Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover trial evaluating the detoxication of benzene and other tobacco carcinogens by the BSP Avmacol, tablets comprised of broccoli seed powder and broccoli sprout extract, in otherwise healthy smokers (≥ 20 pack-years). Each subject was treated with low and high dose BSP (70 vs. 140 GR equivalents daily for 2 weeks), separated by a 2-week washout, with randomization to low-high vs. high-low sequence. The primary endpoint was detoxication of benzene, measured by change in urinary excretion of its mercapturic acid metabolite (S-phenyl mercapturic acid, SPMA). Secondary endpoints included detoxication of the carcinogens acrolein and crotonaldehyde, and SF bioavailability assessed by urinary SF metabolites.Results: 49 subjects were randomized from Feb 2018-Nov 2019: 26 female, mean age 56.3. Treatment-related adverse events (AE) were gastrointestinal; most common were grade 1-2 bloating/cramping/abdominal pain (11; 22%), grade 1 diarrhea (11; 22%), grade 1 flatulence (10; 20%). No grade ≥ 3 AE were observed. One subject withdrew after unrelated AE. Compliance with BSP and biomarker measurements was 98%. Primary and secondary endpoints are presented in the Table. Conclusion: The BSP Avmacol was bioavailable as SF metabolites and significantly increased the acute detoxication products of benzene and acrolein in heavy smokers. Dose LevelChange in Metabolite (IQR)a; N=48P-ValueΔ SF MetabolitesbLow Dose19.93 (6.50, 49.00) nmol/mg Cr&amp;lt;0.0001High Dose40.75 (13.61, 91.89) nmol/mg Cr&amp;lt;0.0001Δ Benzene (SPMA)bLow Dose0.59 (-0.79, 4.65) pmol/mg Cr0.03High Dose0.84 (-1.30, 3.39) pmol/mg Cr0.06Δ Acrolein (3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid, 3-HPMA)bLow Dose418.05 (-1943.97, 2268.00) pmol/mg Cr0.47High Dose2250.31 (-1675.74, 7723.57) pmol/mg Cr0.01Δ Crotonaldehyde (3-hydroxy-1-methylpropyl mercapturic acid, 3-HMPMA)bLow Dose-837.57 (-3716.93, 4903.17) pmol/mg Cr0.83High Dose981.94 (-1710.04, 4621.08) pmol/mg Cr0.08aChange: End of Treatment – Baseline; IQR: Interquartile RangebSF metabolites, SPMA, 3-HPMA, and 3-HMPMA were normalized to urine creatinine Citation Format: Julie E. Bauman, Chiu-Hsieh Hsu, Sara Centuori, Jose Guillen-Rodriguez, Linda Garland, Emily Ho, Lisa Bengtson, Malgorzata Wojtowicz, Eva Szabo, H-H Sherry Chow. Randomized crossover trial evaluating detoxication of tobacco carcinogens by broccoli seed and sprout extract in heavy smokers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB221.

Cigarette Smoking Reduction and Health Risks: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Studies have shown the health benefits of cigarette smoking cessation. However, the literature remains unclear about the relationship between smoking reduction and health risks. This comprehensive review and meta-analysis updates previous reviews with the newest estimates. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the association between smoking reduction and some health risks in observational studies. We defined the following smoking categories: heavy smokers smoked ≥15-20 cigarettes per day (CPD), moderate smokers smoked 10-19 CPD, and light smokers smoked <10 CPD. The relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effect models. We identified 19 studies including four case-control and 15 cohort studies. Compared with continuing heavy smokers, we found decreased lung cancer risk for those who reduced CPD by more than 50% (RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.91), from heavy to moderate (RR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.85), and from heavy to light (RR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.72). We also found lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for those who reduced from heavy to light smoking (RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.89) but not those who reduced by more than 50% and reduced smoking from heavy to moderate. We did not find any significant difference in all-cause mortality, all-cancer risks, and smoking-/tobacco-related cancer risk among those who reduced. Substantial smoking reduction may decrease lung cancer risk but results on CVD (coronary heart disease and stroke combined) risk were mixed. The relationships between smoking reduction and other endpoints examined were not significant. This meta-analysis helps clarify our understanding of various smoking reduction levels on some health risks. While smoking reduction may decrease risks of lung cancer, the relationships between smoking reduction and other endpoints, including all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease, remain unclear. Although smoking reduction may decrease lung cancer risks, the magnitude of lung cancer risk remain high. Among smokers, complete cessation remains the most effective approach for cancer and CVD prevention.

Abstract C125: University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center partnership: Fifteen years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders

Abstract The University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) Partnership aims to grow cancer research capacity at UOG; develop cancer health disparities research at UHCC focusing on Pacific Islanders (PI); raise awareness of cancer and cancer prevention in Guam (GU), Hawaii (HI) and the US Associated Pacific Islands (USAPI); and increase the number of cancer and biomedical science researchers of PI ancestry in the United States. An infrastructure comprising 5 principal investigators, over 30 participating faculty, administrative staff, and external and internal reviewers, backed by institutional support and NCI sponsorship, has supported 15 years of research, training, and outreach designed to reduce cancer health disparities and advance health equity among PI in GU, HI, and the USAPI. Since 2009, the Partnership has funded 18 cancer research projects addressing cancer research priorities of global and regional relevance, including cervical cancer and betel nut chewing—a traditional practice associated with oral pre/carcinoma, affecting 600 million users worldwide. Approximately 75 manuscripts have been published, approximately 100 abstracts presented, and 16 grants secured. To address the under-representation of PI in biomedical sciences, the Partnership has supported 30 graduate fellows, including 8 doctoral students at UH. Two PhD graduates are now faculty members at UOG and engaged in cancer health disparities research. UOG's Micronesian Studies Program now offers a cancer health disparities track, developed by the Partnership and tailored for the Pacific region. In addition, UOG/UHCC faculty, junior investigators, and pre/postdocs receive mentorship, career development, and summer research fellowships; to date, 8 UOG faculty have participated in the summer fellowship program at UHCC, and two have subsequently secured pilot funding. Outreach projects have explored community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco use prevention and cessation in Guam, and the use of social networking to reduce tobacco-related cancer risk. Community-based participatory research has also led to landmark tobacco-control legislation in Guam, resulting in decreased tobacco use and increased tobacco taxes, a percentage of which supports cancer programs and patient services in Guam, including the Guam Cancer Registry. Current outreach efforts aim to increase cervical cancer screening among Micronesian migrants and build cancer-prevention knowledge and awareness among physicians who serve them in Guam and Hawaii. In conclusion, the Partnership has significantly increased research capacity at UOG and cultivated interest in cancer research among under-represented minority students at the partnering institutions. Supported by NCI grants U54CA143727 and U54CA143728. Citation Format: Carl-Wilhelm Vogel, David C. Ward, Neal A. Palafox, Hali R. Robinett, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, John A. Peterson. University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center partnership: Fifteen years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr C125.

Abstract D040: University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Sixteen years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders

Abstract The University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) Partnership aims to grow cancer research capacity at UOG, develop cancer health disparities research at UHCC focusing on Pacific Islanders (PI), raise awareness of cancer and cancer prevention in Guam (GU), Hawaii (HI) and the US Associated Pacific Islands (USAPI), and increase the number of cancer and biomedical science researchers of PI ancestry in the United States. An infrastructure comprised of 4 principal investigators, over 30 participating faculty, administrative staff, and external and internal reviewers, backed by institutional support and NCI sponsorship, has supported 16 years of research, training, and outreach designed to reduce cancer health disparities and advance health equity among PI in GU, HI, and the USAPI. Since 2009, the Partnership has funded 19 cancer research projects addressing cancer research priorities of global and regional relevance, including cervical cancer and Areca (betel) nut chewing - a traditional practice associated with oral pre/carcinoma, affecting 600 million users worldwide. Ninety peer-reviewed manuscripts have been published, over 100 abstracts presented, and 19 grants secured. To address the underrepresentation of PI in biomedical sciences, the Partnership has supported 33 graduate students including 7 doctoral students at UH. Two PhD graduates are now faculty members at UOG and engaged in cancer health disparities research. UOG’s Micronesian Studies Program now offers a cancer health disparities track, developed by the Partnership and tailored for the Pacific region. In addition, UOG/UHCC faculty, junior investigators, and pre/postdocs receive mentorship, career development, and summer research fellowships; to date, eight UOG faculty have participated in the summer fellowship program at UHCC and most had received U54pilot funding. Outreach projects have explored community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco use prevention and cessation in Guam, and the use of social networking to reduce tobacco-related cancer risk. Community-based participatory research has also led to landmark tobacco control legislation in Guam, resulting in decreased tobacco use and increased tobacco taxes, a percentage of which supports cancer programs and patient services in Guam including the Guam Cancer Registry. Current outreach efforts aim to increase colorectal cancer screening and HPV vaccination while building knowledge and awareness among physicians who serve Pacific Islanders in Guam and Hawaii. In conclusion, research capacity at UOG has significantly increased, disparities research at UHCC has expanded, and underrepresented minority students are pursuing careers in cancer research. Supported by NCI grants U54CA143727 and U54CA143728. Citation Format: Rachael T Leon Guerrero, Margaret Hattori-Uchima, Hali R Robinett, Carl-Wilhelm Vogel, Neal A Palafox. University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Sixteen years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D040.

Association of select vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with the risk of tobacco-related cancers \u2013 a meta-analysis

The observed increase in morbidity and mortality due to tobacco-related cancers, especially those in the respiratory system and esophagus, is becoming a public health challenge. Smoking cigarettes is one of the main risk factors predisposing individuals to many types of cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the role of select vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms as risk factors in tobacco-related cancers. The MEDLINE and ResearchGate databases were used to search for articles up to June 2017, and 12 articles including 26 studies concerning FokI, ApaI, TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms and lung, neck, head, esophageal and oral cancers were chosen. In total, 5 113 cases and 5 657 controls were included in the pooled analysis. We found a significant relationship between tobacco-related cancers and the occurrence of the “t” allele in the TaqI polymorphism of VDR. The occurrence of the “t” allele reduced the risk of tobacco-related cancers by 17% (OR = 0.83, 0.72–0.96 95% CI, p-value = 0.0114). Our analysis revealed that there is a correlation between the TaqI polymorphism of VDR and the risk of tobacco-related cancers.

Abstract A44: University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Fourteen years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders

Abstract The University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) Partnership aims to grow cancer research capacity at UOG; develop cancer health disparities research at UHCC focusing on Pacific Islanders (PI); raise awareness of cancer and cancer prevention in Guam (GU), Hawaii (HI), and the U.S. Associated Pacific Islands (USAPI); and increase the number of cancer and biomedical science researchers of PI ancestry in the United States. An infrastructure comprising 6 principal investigators, over 30 participating faculty, administrative staff, and external and internal reviewers, backed by institutional support and NCI sponsorship, has supported 14 years of research, training, and outreach designed to reduce cancer health disparities and advance health equity among PI in GU, HI, and the USAPI. Since 2009, the Partnership has funded 17 cancer research projects addressing cancer research priorities of global and regional relevance, including cervical cancer and betel nut chewing--a traditional practice associated with oral pre/carcinoma, affecting 600 million users worldwide. Approximately 75 manuscripts have been published, approximately 100 abstracts presented, and 13 grants secured. To address the under-representation of PI in biomedical sciences, the Partnership has supported 30 graduate fellows, including 76 doctoral students at UH. Two PhD graduates are now faculty members at UOG and engaged in cancer health disparities research. UOG's Micronesian Studies Program now offers a cancer health disparities track, developed by the Partnership and tailored for the Pacific region. In addition, UOG/UHCC faculty, junior investigators, and pre/postdocs receive mentorship, career development, and summer research fellowships; to date, six UOG faculty have participated in the summer fellowship program at UHCC and two have subsequently secured pilot funding. Outreach projects have explored community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco-use prevention and cessation in Guam, and the use of social networking to reduce tobacco-related cancer risk. Community-based participatory research has also led to landmark tobacco-control legislation in Guam, resulting in decreased tobacco use and increased tobacco taxes, a percentage of which supports cancer programs and patient services in Guam including the Guam Cancer Registry. Current outreach efforts aim to increase cervical cancer screening among Micronesian migrants and build cancer prevention knowledge and awareness among physicians who serve them in Guam and Hawaii. In conclusion, the Partnership has significantly increased research capacity at UOG and cultivated interest in cancer research among under-represented minority students at the partnering institutions. Supported by NCI grants U54CA143727 and U54CA143728. Citation Format: Carl-Wilhelm Vogel, David C. Ward, Neal A. Palafox, Hali R. Robinett, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Robert A. Underwood, John A. Peterson. University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Fourteen years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A44.

7.10-P9Are male immigrants in Denmark at lower or higher risk of tobacco-related cancers? A Danish nationwide cohort study

7.10-P9Are male immigrants in Denmark at lower or higher risk of tobacco-related cancers? A Danish nationwide cohort study

The use of tobacco tax revenues to fund the Guam Cancer Registry: A double win for cancer control

Cancer registries that provide reliable data on cancer incidence, mortality and burden are essential to cancer control. However, establishing sustainable local funding mechanisms to support cancer registries remains a challenge in many countries.Guam, an unincorporated Territory of the United States of America in the Western Pacific, enacted a bill that raised tobacco taxes, and earmarked a percentage of tobacco tax revenues to support its Cancer Registry. This provided a reliable funding stream for the Registry, allowing for continued staffing and capacity building; at the same time, youth tobacco consumption decreased following the tax increase.Linking tobacco tax revenues to cancer registry support is a feasible strategy with a double benefit: higher tobacco prices from higher tobacco taxes reduce tobacco-related cancer risk while assuring the long-term viability of systematic cancer data collection and dissemination.

Abstract A48: University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Thirteen years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders

Abstract The University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) Partnership aims to grow cancer research capacity at UOG, develop cancer health disparities research at UHCC focusing on Pacific Islanders (PI), raise awareness of cancer and cancer prevention in Guam (GU), Hawaii (HI) and the US Associated Pacific Islands (USAPI), and increase the number of cancer and biomedical science researchers of PI ancestry in the United States. An infrastructure comprised of 6 principal investigators, over 30 participating faculty, administrative staff, and external and internal reviewers, backed by institutional support and NCI sponsorship, has supported 13 years of research, training, and outreach designed to reduce cancer health disparities and advance health equity among PI in GU, HI, and the USAPI. Since 2009, the Partnership has funded 15 cancer research projects addressing cancer research priorities of global and regional relevance, including cervical cancer and betel nut chewing - a traditional practice associated with oral pre/carcinoma, affecting 600 million users worldwide. Over 70 manuscripts have been published, 90 abstracts presented, and 9 grants secured. To address the underrepresentation of PI in biomedical sciences, the Partnership has supported 26 graduate fellows, including 6 doctoral students at UH. One PhD graduate is now a faculty member at UOG and engaged in research supported by the Partnership. UOG's Micronesian Studies Program now offers a cancer health disparities track, developed by the Partnership and tailored for the Pacific region. In addition, UOG/UHCC faculty, junior investigators, and pre/postdocs receive mentorship, career development and summer research fellowships; to date, five UOG faculty have participated in the summer fellowship program at UHCC and two have subsequently secured pilot funding. Outreach projects have explored community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco use prevention and cessation in Guam, and the use of social networking to reduce tobacco-related cancer risk. Community-based participatory research has also led to landmark tobacco control legislation in Guam, resulting in decreased tobacco use and increased tobacco taxes, a percentage of which supports patient services in Guam as well as the Guam Cancer Registry. Current outreach efforts aim to increase cervical cancer screening in the islands. In conclusion, the Partnership has significantly increased research capacity at UOG and cultivated interest in cancer research among underrepresented minority students at the partnering institutions. A regional research infrastructure has been established and resources continue to be leveraged to address PI cancer health disparities in Guam, Hawaii, and the USAPI. Master's and PhD-trained graduates of the program are now participating in and directing cancer studies relevant to their communities, and mentoring future scientists committed to the Pacific Region. Supported by NCI grants U54CA143727 and U54CA143728. Citation Format: Carl-Wilhelm Vogel, David C. Ward, Neal A. Palafox, Hali R. Robinett, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Robert A. Underwood, John A. Peterson. University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Thirteen years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A48.

Abstract A83: University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Twelve years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders

Abstract The University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) Partnership aims to build capacity to reduce cancer health disparities (CHD) of Pacific Islanders in Guam, Hawaii, and the US-associated Pacific Islands (USAPI) through cancer research, training, and outreach. It has been funded by sequential U56 and U54 grants from the NCI. At the core of the partnership activities are jointly conducted research products of regional relevance and global importance. Over the past period of U54 funding, six research projects were related to betel nut use exploring the associations of betel nut use and health related conditions and behaviors among users in Micronesia; sociocultural factors affecting betel nut chewing in Guam; the influence of betel nut use on the oral microbiome; the identification of alkaloids present in the varieties of betel nut on Guam; identification of salivary biomarkers in betel nut consumption; and the functional assessment of molecular components of betel nut involved in pro-inflammatory mechanisms of immune cells. Other research projects are addressing CHD-related research questions around cancer risk and risk perception: health information trends and needs in the Pacific among adults and youth; feasibility of electrical breast densitometry in assessing breast cancer risk; and breast cancer risk factors for Pacific Islander women. Collectively, over 60 manuscripts have been published, over 75 abstracts have been presented at national and international conferences, and at least 8 new grants have been awarded to members of the partnership. Since the Fall Semester 2009, 16 MS degree students at UOG have received fellowship support from the U54 grant, and two UOG graduates are enrolled in doctoral programs at US mainland institutions. Two students received an MS degree and two students received a PhD degree at UHCC with U54 fellowship support. One PhD graduate is now a faculty member at UOG and engaged in the partnership. Over the past six years, UOG developed a cancer health disparities curriculum tailored for the Pacific region, now a permanently sustained track in UOG's Micronesian Studies Program. In addition, mentorship and career development is provided to early stage investigators (ESI) at UOG: UHCC investigators have mentored 10 UOG ESI since 2009. Four UOG faculty received summer fellowships at UHCC; two subsequently secured pilot funding. Outreach projects are exploring community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco use prevention and cessation in Guam, and the effectiveness of a social network-based approach to reducing tobacco-related cancer risk. Outreach activities have also contributed to the introduction and passage of significant public health legislation in Guam, resulting in decreased tobacco use and increased tobacco taxes, a percentage of which supports patient services in Guam as well as the Guam Cancer Registry. In conclusion, the unique multi-ethnic, sociocultural, and geographic characteristics of the UOG/UHCC partnership provide for many unique and important cancer research, training, and outreach opportunities with regional and global relevance. The Partnership has significantly increased research capacity at UOG and cultivated interest in cancer research among minority students attending the partner institutions. Outreach has resulted in model tobacco control policy in Guam. A regional research infrastructure has been established and resources have been leveraged to address Pacific Islander cancer health disparities in Guam, Hawaii, and the USAPI. Supported by NCI awards U54CA143727 and U54 CA143728. Citation Format: Hali R. Robinett, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Robert A. Underwood, Neal A. Palafox, David C. Ward, Carl-Wilhelm Vogel. University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Twelve years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A83.

Phenotypic and Histopathological Tumor Characteristics According to CDKN2A Mutation Status among Affected Members of Melanoma Families

Phenotypic and Histopathological Tumor Characteristics According to CDKN2A Mutation Status among Affected Members of Melanoma Families

Prospective associations between vitamin D status, vitamin D–related gene polymorphisms, and risk of tobacco-related cancers

Experimental evidence has suggested that vitamin D may be protective against tobacco-related cancers through the inhibition of the formation of tumors induced by tobacco carcinogens. To our knowledge, only one previous epidemiologic study investigated the association between vitamin D status and tobacco-related cancer risk, and no study has focused on vitamin D-related gene polymorphisms. Our objective was to prospectively study the association between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, vitamin D-related gene polymorphisms, and risk of tobacco-related cancers. A total of 209 tobacco-related cancers were diagnosed within the SU.VI.MAX (Supplémentation en vitamines et minéraux antioxydants) cohort (1994-2007) and were matched with 418 controls as part of a nested case-control study. Tobacco-related cancers (i.e., cancers for which tobacco is one of the risk factors) included several sites in the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems. Total plasma 25(OH)D was assessed with the use of an electrochemoluminescent assay. Polymorphisms were determined with the use of a TaqMan assay. Conditional logistic regression models were computed. A 25(OH)D concentration ≥30 ng/mL was associated with reduced risk of tobacco-related cancers (OR for ≥30 compared with <30 ng/mL: 0.59; 95% CI 0.35, 0.99; P = 0.046). This association was observed in former and current smokers (OR for ≥30 compared with <30 ng/mL: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.84; P = 0.01) but not in never smokers (P = 0.8). The vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI AA genotype and retinoid X receptor (RXR) rs7861779 TT genotype were associated with increased risk of tobacco-related cancers [OR for homozygous mutant type (MT) compared with wild type (WT): 1.87; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.23; P-trend = 0.02; OR for heterozygous type (HT) plus MT compared with WT: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.38; P = 0.02]. In this prospective study, high vitamin D status [25(OH)D concentration ≥30 ng/mL] was associated with decreased risk of tobacco-related cancers, especially in smokers. These results, which are supported by mechanistic plausibility, suggest that vitamin D may contribute to the prevention of tobacco-induced cancers in smokers and deserve additional investigation. The SU.VI.MAX trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00272428.

Abstract A08: University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: An 11-year partnership to advance cancer health equity in Pacific Islanders

Abstract The University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) Partnership aims to build capacity to reduce cancer health disparities (CHD) in Guam, Hawaii, and the US-associated Pacific Islands (USAPI) through cancer research, training, and outreach. Since 2003, the UOG/UHCC Partnership has provided scholarships and training in CHD research to a growing number of graduate students at UOG and UHCC with a special focus on Pacific Islanders who are underrepresented in the fields of cancer research and healthcare. UHCC investigators provide mentorship to early stage investigators (ESI) at UOG through annual meetings and workshops, monthly video teleconferences, electronic communications, and summer fellowships at UHCC. A system has been established to review, award, and evaluate new and ongoing pre-pilot, pilot, and full research projects. Outreach activities draw upon the principles of community-based participatory research to increase tobacco cessation, reduce cancer risk, and strengthen tobacco control policy. Since Fall Semester 2009, 16 master's degree students at UOG have received fellowship support, and two UOG graduates are enrolled in doctoral programs at US mainland institutions. Two PhD students at UHCC are currently receiving fellowship support, and three master's degree students have graduated from UH. One scholar is now in a tenure track faculty position at UOG and engaged in the Partnership. Over the past five years, UOG developed a cancer health disparities curriculum tailored for the Pacific region, now a permanently sustained track in UOG's Micronesian Studies Program. In addition, mentorship and career development is provided to ESI at UOG: UHCC investigators have mentored 10 UOG ESI since 2009. Four UOG faculty received summer fellowships at UHCC; two subsequently secured pilot funding. Research of regional relevance and global importance is jointly conducted by investigators at UOG and UHCC, including six betel nut related pilot projects that are exploring the associations of betel nut use and health related conditions and behaviors among users in Micronesia; sociocultural factors affecting betel nut chewing in Guam; the influence of betel nut use on the oral microbiome; the identification of alkaloids present in the varieties of betel nut on Guam; identification of salivary biomarkers in betel nut consumption; and the functional assessment of molecular components of betel nut involved in pro-inflammatory mechanisms of immune cells. Other research projects are addressing CHD-related research questions around cancer risk and risk perception: health information trends and needs in the Pacific among adults and youth; feasibility of electrical breast densitometry in assessing breast cancer risk; and breast cancer risk factors for Pacific Islander women. Outreach projects are exploring community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco use prevention and cessation in Guam, and the effectiveness of a social network-based approach to reducing tobacco-related cancer risk. Outreach activities have also contributed to the introduction and passage of significant public health legislation in Guam, resulting in decreased tobacco use and increased tobacco taxes, a percentage of which supports patient services in Guam as well as the Guam Cancer Registry. Almost 50 papers have been published, and at least 7 grants have been awarded to members of the partnership as a result of the work of the partnership. In conclusion, the unique multi-ethnic, sociocultural, and geographic characteristics of the UOG/UHCC partnership provide for many unique and important cancer research, training, and outreach opportunities with regional and global relevance. The Partnership has significantly increased research capacity at UOG and cultivated interest in cancer research among minority students attending the partner institutions. Outreach has resulted in model tobacco control policy in Guam. A regional research infrastructure has been established and resources have been leveraged to address Pacific Islander cancer health disparities in Guam, Hawaii, and the USAPI. Supported by NCI awards U54CA143727 and U54 CA143728. Citation Format: Hali R. Robinett, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Robert A. Underwood, Neal A. Palafox, David C. Ward, Carl-Wilhelm Vogel. University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: An 11-year partnership to advance cancer health equity in Pacific Islanders. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A08.

Are male immigrants in Denmark at lower or higher risk of tobacco-related cancers? A Danish nationwide cohort study

Background. Tobacco-related cancers (TRC) represent approximately a third of the cancer incidence in Denmark. However, tobacco consumption levels in immigrants may differ to the native population. We compared incidence rates of nine TRCs among male immigrants of first and second generation in Denmark with those among males of the native population.Material and methods. We used an established cohort of all Danish men (1978–2010) and calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare incidence by immigration status and region of birth for nine TRCs.Results. We identified 131 317 incident cases of TRCs among 3 508 204 men (280 526 first generation and 129 056 second generation immigrants). Overall, immigrants of both generations experienced approximately 15% lower incidence of TRC than natives, however, with large variations by country of birth and type of TRC. Compared to natives, lung cancer incidence in first and second generation immigrants was 10% and 27% lower, respectively. However, lung cancer incidence increased in first generation immigrants reaching the level of native Danes in the late 2000s. First generation immigrants experienced approximately 50% lower incidence of lower urinary tract cancer than natives. However, only liver and stomach cancer had higher SIRs in immigrants.Conclusion. Overall TRC incidence was lower among immigrants than in native Danes. Lower urinary tract cancer among first generation immigrants warrants further investigation.

Cancer incidence in people with affective disorder: nationwide cohort study in Taiwan, 1997–2010

Cancer is a serious public health problem worldwide, and its relationship with affective disorders is not clear. Aims To investigate alcohol- and tobacco-related cancer risk among patients with affective disorders in a large Taiwanese cohort. Records of newly admitted patients with affective disorders from January 1997 through December 2002 were retrieved from the Psychiatric Inpatient Medical Claims database in Taiwan. Cancers were stratified by site and grouped into tobacco- or alcohol-related cancers. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated to compare the risk of cancer between those with affective disorders and the general population. Some 10 207 patients with bipolar disorder and 9826 with major depression were included. The risk of cancer was higher in patients with major depression (SIR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.85-2.19) than in those with bipolar disorder (SIR 1.39, 95% CI 1.26-1.53). The elevated cancer risk among individuals ever admitted to hospital for affective disorders was more pronounced in tobacco- and/or alcohol-related cancers. Elevated cancer risk was found in patients who had received in-patient care for affective disorders. They require holistic approaches to lifestyle behaviours and associated cancer risks.

High risk of tobacco-related cancers in CDKN2A mutation-positive melanoma families

BackgroundGermline mutations in the tumour suppressor gene CDKN2A occur in 5–20% of familial melanoma cases. A single founder mutation, p.Arg112dup, accounts for the majority of CDKN2A mutations in Swedish carriers....