Table 1. Selected characteristics of the female case patients and control participants.
| Control participants | Oesophageal or cardia adenocarcinoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Number (%) | Number (%) |
| Total | 141 (100) | 63 (100) |
| Age < 60 yearsa | 107 (76) | 49 (78) |
| Refluxb | 17 (12) | 25 (40) |
| Overweight/obesityc | 36 (26) | 32 (51) |
| Ever smokersd | 51 (36) | 34 (54) |
| High alcohol intakee | 7 (5) | 2 (3) |
| Living alonef | 9 (6) | 4 (6) |
| Manual workersg | 56 (40) | 37 (59) |
a
The study participants were frequency-matched by age.
b
Symptoms of reflux occurring at least once weekly at least 5 years before interview.
c
Body mass index (kg m−2)>25 kg m−2, 20 years before interview.
d
Ever regular tobacco smoker (previous or current smoker, 2 years before interview).
e
At least 70 g per week of pure alcohol, 20 years before interview.
f
Not having lived with a partner (married/cohabitant) for at least 1 year.
g
Socioeconomic status of longest duration, derived from lifetime occupational histories.