title: Identification of genetic and non-genetic risk factors for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a Southeast Asian population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southern Chinese and Southeast Asian populations. Geographical and ethnic clustering of the cancer is due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors. This case-control study aimed to identify or confirm both genetic and non-genetic risk factors for NPC in one of the endemic countries, Malaysia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A panel of 768 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with various cancers and known non-genetic risk factors for NPC were selected and analyzed for their associations with NPC in a case-control study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistical analysis identified 40 SNPs associated with NPC risk in our population, including 5 documented previously by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and other case-control studies; the associations of the remaining 35 SNPs with NPC were novel. In addition, consistent with previous studies, exposure to occupational hazards, overconsumption of salt-cured foods, red meat, as well as low intake of fruits and vegetables were also associated with NPC risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In short, this study confirmed and/or identified genetic, environmental and dietary risk factors associated with NPC susceptibility in a Southeast Asian population.
authors: Molecular Research and Services Laboratory, INFOVALLEY® Life Sciences Sdn. Mines Resort City, Selangor, Malaysia. drlivy@infovalley.net.my
authors: Nikman Adli
authors: NA
authors: Nor Hashim
authors: Nurul Hanis
authors: NH
authors: Ramzi
authors: Sharmila
authors: S
authors: Velapasamy
authors: Livy
authors: L
authors: Alex
authors: Jagdish Kaur
authors: JK
authors: Chahil
authors: Say Hean
authors: SH
authors: Lye
authors: Khamsigan
authors: K
authors: Munretnam
authors: Mohd Roslan
authors: MR
authors: Haron
authors: Lian Wee
authors: LW
authors: Ler
mesh_terms: D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D006801:Humans; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012307:Risk Factors