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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 14, 2007; 13(10): 1585-1594
Published online Mar 14, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i10.1585
Risk factors for Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: Results from the FINBAR study
Lesley A Anderson, RG Peter Watson, Seamus J Murphy, Brian T Johnston, Harry Comber, Jim Mc Guigan, John V Reynolds, Liam J Murray
Lesley A Anderson, Liam J Murray, Seamus J Murphy, Centre for Clinical and Population Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
RG Peter Watson, Brian T Johnston, Jim Mc Guigan, Royal Group of Hospitals, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Harry Comber, National Cancer Registry, Cork, Ireland
John V Reynolds, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by an Ireland-Northern Ireland Co-operation Research Project Grant sponsored by the Northern Ireland Research & Development Office, and the Health Research Board, Ireland. The Ulster Cancer Foundation also funded a PhD student and Post-doctoral fellow to work within the FINBAR study
Correspondence to: Lesley A Anderson, Centre for Clinical and Population Sciences, Queen’s University, Mulhouse Building, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ, Northern Ireland. l.anderson@qub.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-28-90635046 Fax: +44-28-90248017
Received: September 11, 2006
Revised: December 5, 2006
Accepted: March 14, 2007
Published online: March 14, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To investigate risk factors associated with Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS: This all-Ireland population-based case-control study recruited 224 Barrett’s oesophagus patients, 227 oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients and 260 controls. All participants underwent a structured interview with information obtained about potential lifestyle and environmental risk factors.

RESULTS: Gastro-oesophageal reflux was associated with Barrett’s [OR 12.0 (95% CI 7.64-18.7)] and oesophageal adenocarcinoma [OR 3.48 (95% CI 2.25-5.41)]. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients were more likely than controls to be ex- or current smokers [OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.06-2.81) and OR 4.84 (95% CI 2.72-8.61) respectively] and to have a high body mass index [OR 2.69 (95% CI 1.62-4.46)]. No significant associations were observed between these risk factors and Barrett's oesophagus. Fruit but not vegetables were negatively associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma [OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.30-0.86)].

CONCLUSION: A high body mass index, a diet low in fruit and cigarette smoking may be involved in the progression from Barrett’s oesophagus to oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Keywords: Barrett’s oesophagus; Oesophageal adenocarcinoma; Smoking; Gastro-oesophageal reflux; Body mass index; Diet; Case-control