Cancer Epidemiology Unit

About: Cancer Epidemiology Unit is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 669 authors who have published 1725 publications receiving 93979 citations.

Tobacco Smoking Using Midwakh Is an Emerging Health Problem – Evidence from a Large Cross-Sectional Survey in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract: Introduction Accurate information about the prevalence and types of tobacco use is essential to deliver effective public health policy. We aimed to study the prevalence and modes of tobacco consumption in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly focusing on the use of Midwakh (Arabic traditional pipe). Methods We studied 170,430 UAE nationals aged ≥18 years (44% males and 56% females) in the Weqaya population-based screening program in Abu Dhabi residents during the period April 2008–June 2010. Self-reported smoking status, type, quantity and duration of tobacco smoked were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study findings; prevalence rates used the screened sample as the denominator. Result The prevalence of smoking overall was 24.3% in males and 0.8% in females and highest in males aged 20–39. Mean age (SD) of smokers was 32.8 (11.1) years, 32.7 (11.1) in males and 35.7 (12.1) in females. Cigarette smoking was the commonest form of tobacco use (77.4% of smokers), followed by Midwakh (15.0%), shisha (waterpipe) (6.8%), and cigar (0.66%). The mean durations of smoking for cigarettes, Midwakh, shisha and cigars were 11.4, 9.3, 7.6 and 11.0 years, respectively. Conclusions Smoking is most common among younger UAE national men. The use of Midwakh and the relatively young age of onset of Midwakh smokers is of particular concern as is the possibility of the habit spreading to other countries. Comprehensive tobacco control laws targeting the young and the use of Midwakh are needed.

Early-life risk indicators of gastric cancer. A population-based case-control study in Sweden.

Abstract: Exposures early in life seem to play an important role in the development of gastric cancer, but their nature is not well understood. In a population-based case-control study, we examined weight, height and body-mass index (BMI) at the age of 20 as well as indices of socioeconomic conditions. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 338 of 456 eligible histologically confirmed gastric cancer patients and 679 of 880 eligible control subjects, sampled from population registers and frequency matched by age and gender. Gastric cancer risk was negatively associated with height. Risk was positively associated with weight at age 20 in both sexes. The highest BMI-quartile was associated with an increased risk. This association between BMI and risk was confined to BMI at age 20, and disappeared for BMI 20 years prior to interview. High socioeconomic status (SES) as well as long education carried a decreased risk of gastric cancer. Number of siblings was positively associated with risk. Factors related to short stature and high adolescent body weight are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, as is a high number of siblings. These factors may reflect influences of dietary patterns early in life. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Nut intake and 5-year changes in body weight and obesity risk in adults: results from the EPIC-PANACEA study.

Abstract: There is inconsistent evidence regarding the relationship between higher intake of nuts, being an energy-dense food, and weight gain. We investigated the relationship between nut intake and changes in weight over 5 years. This study includes 373,293 men and women, 25–70 years old, recruited between 1992 and 2000 from 10 European countries in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Habitual intake of nuts including peanuts, together defined as nut intake, was estimated from country-specific validated dietary questionnaires. Body weight was measured at recruitment and self-reported 5 years later. The association between nut intake and body weight change was estimated using multilevel mixed linear regression models with center/country as random effect and nut intake and relevant confounders as fixed effects. The relative risk (RR) of becoming overweight or obese after 5 years was investigated using multivariate Poisson regressions stratified according to baseline body mass index (BMI). On average, study participants gained 2.1 kg (SD 5.0 kg) over 5 years. Compared to non-consumers, subjects in the highest quartile of nut intake had less weight gain over 5 years (−0.07 kg; 95% CI −0.12 to −0.02) (P trend = 0.025) and had 5% lower risk of becoming overweight (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.92–0.98) or obese (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90–0.99) (both P trend <0.008). Higher intake of nuts is associated with reduced weight gain and a lower risk of becoming overweight or obese.