Further Study in Aetiology of Carcinomas of the Upper Alimentary Tract

This high incidence of the upper alimentary tract carcinomas in India obviously cannot be accidental. A previous study (Shanta and Krishnamurthi, 1959) suggested that the critical factors were essentially environmental and that any racial pre-disposition could be totally excluded. That study also eliminated preexisting diseases like tuberculosis, diabetes, virus infections, etc., as of any significance. The present investigation was undertaken with a larger series of cases and controls, with more detailed laboratory studies, careful scrutiny of the history and condition of individual patients and controls, a detailed analysis of their diets, habits, occupations, environment and a comparison of these factors with those reported in the literature of other countries. The pharynx and the oesophagus were also included to complete the picture of the upper alimentary tract.