5. EPIDEMIOLOGleAL STUDIES OF eANeER lN HUMANS

As early as 1910, it was observed in Paris, France, that about 80% of patients with cancer of the oesophagus and cardiac region of the stomach were alcoholics, who drank mainly absinthe (Lamy, 1910). ln the first half of this century, it was also noted from mortality statistics in various countries that high risks for cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus and larynx occurred among persons employed in the production and distribution of alcoholIc beverages (Young & RusselI, 1926; Clemmesen, 1941; Kennaway & Kennaway, 1947; Versluys, 1949). Later studies showed that cancers at these sites occur at lower rates of incidence (and mortality) in religious groups that proscribe alcohol intake, such as Seventh-day Adventists (Wynder et aL., 1959; Lemon et al., 1964; Philips et al., 1980), compared with corresponding national populations. Although many aspects of the life style of such populations are particular, differences in drinking (and smoking) habits may contribute to the differences in disease rates. Subsequent to these historical observations and studies of religious groups, analytical studies of the cohort and casecontrol type have been carried out.