Nutrition Intervention Studies of the Esophageal Cancer in Linxian, China

Abstract

The highest worldwide incidence and mortality for cancer of the esophagus occurs in China.(1,2) Linxian, in Henan Province, is the epicenter of this maligancy and may indeed be the world’s highest risk area, where the cumulative death rates (0–74yr) are 32.5% for males and 20.4% for females. Reasons for such exceptional risk of esophageal cancer are not yet known, but a series of investigations carried out in Linxian suggests that the population may be enhanced susceptibility to specific carcinogens because of deficiencies of multiple nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals. (3,4,5) To test an hypothesis that multiple vitamin/mineral deficiencies may contribute to Linxian’ s high rates and that supplementation may reduce the cancer risk, the Cancer Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, NIH, in U.S.A. are carring out two intervention trials in Linxian using multiple vitamin-mineral supplements. One trial will be conducted in patients diagnosed with esophageal dysplasia and the other in the general population.