Cancer of the oesophagus has great diversity in geographical distribution and incidence.
The rate of oesophageal cancer has been increasing in some areas and the reasons for this
are not clear. This review outlines fascinating epidemiological aspects and the risk factors
for squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. While in the Western world the effects of
alcohol and tobacco are substantial preconditions, worldwide other factors, such as diet,
nutritional deficiencies, environmental exposure and infectious agents (especially …

Oesophageal cancer rates in women in the UK are more than 3 times higher than in most
other European populations. A population-based matched case–control study of
histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus in women was carried
out in 4 regions in England and Scotland. Interviews were carried out in hospital or at home
and topics included: smoking; alcohol; tea and coffee consumption; medical and obstetric
history; and diet. Response rates were 62% for cases and 65% for first-chosen controls …