Cancer in the gastrointestinal tract in Western India: Epidemiologic study

Abstract

Epidemiologic study of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract has brought out certain significant points: In India the frequency rate for cancer of the esophagus is very high. Stomach, colon and rectum are less affected. The proportion of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal is quite high. The differences in the distribution of cancer within the esophagus at certain anatomical sites are studied. A preliminary analysis of the habit of smoking and chewing of pan indicates a significant association of the habit of smoking with cancer of the upper and middle portions of the esophagus whereas the lower third does not show this association. Different groups of population or communities in India, show variations in the frequency of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract as well as in portions of the esophagus and such variations have a bearing on the habits and other associated factors prevalent in the members of these communities. Copyright © 1968 American Cancer Society