A hospital-based case-control study of non-Hodgkin lymphoid neoplasms in Shanghai: analysis of personal characteristics, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors by subtypes of the WHO classification.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate potential risk factors (personal characteristics, lifestyle, and environmental factors) of non-Hodgkin lymphoid neoplasms (NHLN), including lymphomas and lymphocytic leukemia, according to the World Health Organization classification.


METHODS
The investigation was a hospital-based case-control study consisting of 649 confirmed NHLN cases and 1298 individually gender-age-matched patient controls at 25 hospitals in Shanghai. A 17-page questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographics, medical history, family history, lifestyle risk factors, employment history, residential history, and occupational and non-occupational exposures. Risk estimates were calculated using conditional logistic regression models.


RESULTS
Potential risk factors of NHLN (all subtypes combined) or individual subtypes included low-level education, home or workplace renovation, living on a farm, planting crops, and raising livestock or animals. Some risk factors applied to all or most subtypes (such as lowlevel education, living on a farm, and raising livestock or animals), whereas others did not (such as the use of traditional Chinese medicines, which was associated with a reduced risk). Blood transfusions, hair dyes, or living near high-voltage power lines were not associated with an increased risk.


CONCLUSIONS
The study identified a number of risk factors for NHLN overall and specific subtypes. Some risk factors were subtype-specific. The difference in risk by subtype underscores the etiologic commonality and heterogeneity of NHLN subtypes.
Wong
Otto
O
Applied Health Sciences, San Mateo, Calif 94401, USA. ottowong@aol.com
Harris
Fran
F
Wang
Yiying
Y
Fu
Hua
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002681:China; D003252:Construction Materials; D004522:Educational Status; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology*; D008019:Life Style; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors