ADENOCARCINOMAS OF THE ESOPHAGUS AND GASTRIC CARDIA - THE ROLE OF DIET

The incidence of adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and gastric cardia ( ACEGC) has been increasing for the past 10-15 years in the United Stat es. The reason for this increase is unknown. This hospital-based case- control study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary and nutri tional factors on the risk of ACECG. A total of 95 incident cases with pathological diagnosis and 132 cancer-free controls were included in the study. Patients were recruited at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from I November 1992 to 1 November 1994. Epidemiologic data wer e collected by a modified National Cancer Institute Health Habits Hist ory Questionnaire. Nutritional and dietary factors were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Increased risk of ACEGC was significantl y related to higher intake of dietary calories and fat after controlli ng for several potential confounding factors. Decreased risk of ACEGC was significantly associated with high ingestion of dietary fiber, lut ein, niacin, vitamin B-6, iron, and zinc. Higher intakes of vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin E, folate, phosphorus, and potassium were asso ciated with a decreased risk of the disease, but. these were not stati stically significant. The study suggests that ACEGC can be preventable through dietary interventions.