[Dietary risk factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the Setif area in Algeria].
BACKGROUND
The aim of our work was to identify risk factors specific to populations in our region for primary prevention of risk behaviors, particularly eating habits.


METHODS
We conducted a case-control study on dietary factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the Setif area in Algeria. The study included 72 cases and 72 controls matched for age, sex and area of residence. The variables analyzed were identified by an anthropological study.


RESULTS
Increased risk of disease was associated with consumption of traditionally preserved foods such as "harissa", pickled fruit and vegetables and dried and salted meat. These factors were commonly found in other endemic areas. Certain products appeared to be specific to the Setif area including dried and salted fat, especially after prolonged exposure. Rancid butter was related to a 4 to 7-fold increase in risk and use of pickling increased the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma 4 to 12-fold depending on the type of food.


CONCLUSIONS
These data point to the need for biochemical analysis of food specimens to search for the carcinogenic agents and to the importance of an immediate information and education program on food habits for the populations living in this area.
Laouamri
S
S
Service d'épidémiologie et de médecine préventive, Rue Abane Ramdane N degrees 15, Setif. 19 000, Algérie.
Hamdi-Cherif
M
M
Sekfali
N
N
Mokhtari
L
L
Kharchi
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000462:Algeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004034:Diet Surveys; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005519:Food Preservation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D020380:Needs Assessment; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires