Explore the vast range of titles available.

Background: Nulliparity is an endometrial cancer risk factor, but whether or not this association is due to infertility is unclear. Although there are many underlying infertility causes, few studies have assessed risk relations by specific causes. Methods: We conducted a pooled analysis of 8153 cases and 11 713 controls from 2 cohort and 12 case-control studies. All studies provided self-reported infertility and its causes, except for one study that relied on data from national registries. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Nulliparous women had an elevated endometrial cancer risk compared with parous women, even after adjusting for infertility (OR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.59–1.94). Women who reported infertility had an increased risk compared with those without infertility concerns, even after adjusting for nulliparity (OR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.13–1.33). Among women who reported infertility, none of the individual infertility causes were substantially related to endometrial cancer. Conclusions: Based on mainly self-reported infertility data that used study-specific definitions of infertility, nulliparity and infertility appeared to independently contribute to endometrial cancer risk. Understanding residual endometrial cancer risk related to infertility, its causes and its treatments may benefit from large studies involving detailed data on various infertility parameters.

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) on an individual level and incident RAMethodsEPIC is a multicentre, pan-European prospective cohort study of apparently healthy populations. We undertook a nested case-control study to investigate risk factors for RA, by identifying incident RA cases (pre-RA) and matched controls amongst subjects enrolled in four EPIC cohorts in Italy and Spain. The lifestyle, environmental exposure, anthropometric information and blood samples were collected at baseline. Confirmed pre-RA cases were matched with controls by age, sex, centre, and date, time and fasting status at blood collection. The exposure was SES as measured by level of educational attainment categorised as university (referent), secondary school/technical/professional school, primary school completed, and none. The primary outcome was incident RA. Conditional logistic regression (CLR) analysis was adjusted for ACPA seropositivity, smoking status, and presence of shared epitope (SE). A further model also adjusted for other potential confounders, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, physical activity, and alcohol intake.ResultsThe study sample included 398 individuals of which 99 individuals went on to subsequently develop RA. In this analysis, time to diagnosis (defined as time between date of blood sample and date of diagnosis), was 6.71 years (SD 3.43).A significant positive association was observed with level of educational attainment and RA incidence (secondary/technical vs university: OR 5.60, 95% CI 1.59–19.7, primary school vs university: OR 5.06, 95% CI 1.45–17.6, no education vs university: 7.11, 95% CI 1.37–36.8; p for trend 0.02) independent of ACPA seropositivity, SE and smoking).A significant positive association between level of educational attainment and RA incidence was confirmed in the fully adjusted model (secondary/technical vs university: OR 5.52, 95% CI 1.53–19.9, primary school vs university: OR 4.87, 95% CI 1.38–17.1, no education vs university: OR 6.48, 95% CI 1.21–34.6; p for trend 0.02).ConclusionsLower educational levels were independently associated with higher risk of incident RA in this European Mediterranean population.Disclosure of InterestNone declared

Background: A noninvasive, highly sensitive and specific urine test is needed for bladder cancer (BC) diagnosis and surveillance in addition to the invasive cystoscopy. We previously described the diagnostic effectiveness of urinary tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins (UPY) and a new assay (UPY-A) for their measurement in a pilot study. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performances of the UPY-A using an independent cohort of 262 subjects. Methods: Urinary tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were measured by UPY-A test. The area under ROC curve, cutoff, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of UPY-A were determined. The association of UPY levels with tumour staging, grading, recurrence and progression risk was analysed by Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon’s test. To test the probability to be a case if positive at the UPY-A, a logistic test adjusted for possible confounding factor was used. Results: Results showed a significant difference of UPY levels between patients with BC vs healthy controls. For the best cutoff value, 261.26 Standard Units (SU), the sensitivity of the assay was 80.43% and the specificity was 78.82%. A statistically significant difference was found in the levels of UPY at different BC stages and grades between Ta and T1 and with different risk of recurrence and progression. A statistically significant increased risk for BC at UPY-A ⩾261.26 SU was observed. Conclusions: The present study supplies important information on the diagnostic characteristics of UPY-A revealing remarkable performances for early stages and allowing its potential use for different applications encompassing the screening of high-risk subjects, primary diagnosis and posttreatment surveillance.

Introduction/BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STI) and pelvic inflammatory disease may cause damage to the fallopian tube where a substantial proportion of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) likely arises. The aim of this study was to determine whether Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies are associated with higher EOC risk. As secondary objectives, we investigated Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV) 16, 18 and 45 and EOC risk.MethodologyIn a nested case-control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort,791 cases and 1,669 matched controls with pre-diagnosis blood samples were analyzed. Cases and controls were matched on study center, and at blood collection age, time of day, fasting status, exogenous hormone use, menopausal status, and menstrual cycle phase. Antibodies against C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, HSV-2, and HPV 16, 18 and 45 (E6, E7, L1) were assessed using multiplex fluorescent bead-based serology. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] comparing women with positive vs. negative serology.ResultsA total of 40% of the study population was seropositive to at least one STI. Positive serology to C. trachomatis Pgp3 antibodies was not associated with EOC risk overall, but was associated with higher risk of the mucinous histotype (RR=2.56 [95% CI=1.3–5.05]). Positive serology for chlamydia heat shock protein 60 (cHSP60-1), produced during persistent infection, was associated with higher risk of EOC overall (1.33 [1.09–1.62]) and of the serous subtype (1.42 [1.09–1.84]). None of the other evaluated STIs were associated with EOC risk overall; in analyses by histotype, HSV-2 was associated with higher risk of endometrioid EOC (2.93 [1.50–5.74]).Conclusion C. trachomatis infection may influence carcinogenesis of serous and mucinous EOC, while HSV-2 might promote endometrioid disease. Mechanisms linking STIs to EOC need to be further elucidated.DisclosureFinancial support: This work was supported by grants from The Cancer Research Foundation in Northern Sweden and The County Council of Västerbotten, Sweden, and the German Cancer Research Center. The coordination of EPIC is financially supported by the European Commission (DG-SANCO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The national cohorts are supported by grant givers in the separate countries. Detailed information on demand.

Objectives: To assess the contribution of out-of-home (OH) energy and nutrient intake to total dietary intake, and to compare out- versus in-home nutrient patterns among 27 centres in 10 countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Methods: Between 1995 and 2000, 36 034 participants aged between 35–74 years completed a standardized 24-h dietary recall using a software programme (EPIC-Soft) that recorded the place of food/drink consumption. Eating OH was defined as the consumption of foods and beverages anywhere other than in household premises, irrespective of the place of purchase/preparation. Nutrient intakes were estimated using a standardized nutrient database. Mean intakes were adjusted for age and weighted by season and day of recall. Results: Among women, OH eating contributed more to total fat intake than to intakes of protein and carbohydrates. Among both genders, and particularly in southern Europe, OH eating contributed more to sugar and starch intakes and less to total fibre intake. The contribution of OH eating was also lower for calcium and vitamin C intakes. The composition of diet at home was different from that consumed out of home in southern countries, but was relatively similar in the north. Conclusions: In northern Europe, OH and in-home eating are homogeneous, whereas southern Europeans consider OH eating as a distinctive occasion. In most centres, women selected more fat-rich items when eating out.

We examined plasma concentrations of phyto-oestrogens in relation to risk for subsequent prostate cancer in a case–control study nested in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Concentrations of isoflavones genistein, daidzein and equol, and that of lignans enterolactone and enterodiol, were measured in plasma samples for 950 prostate cancer cases and 1042 matched control participants. Relative risks (RRs) for prostate cancer in relation to plasma concentrations of these phyto-oestrogens were estimated by conditional logistic regression. Higher plasma concentrations of genistein were associated with lower risk of prostate cancer: RR among men in the highest vs the lowest fifth, 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–0.96, P trend=0.03). After adjustment for potential confounders this RR was 0.74 (95% CI 0.54–1.00, P trend=0.05). No statistically significant associations were observed for circulating concentrations of daidzein, equol, enterolactone or enterodiol in relation to overall risk for prostate cancer. There was no evidence of heterogeneity in these results by age at blood collection or country of recruitment, nor by cancer stage or grade. These results suggest that higher concentrations of circulating genistein may reduce the risk of prostate cancer but do not support an association with plasma lignans.

Objectives: To describe the intake of the fat-soluble nutrients retinol, β-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin D and their food sources among 27 redefined centres in 10 countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Methods: Between 1995 and 2000, 36 034 subjects (age range: 35–74 years) completed a single standardized 24-h dietary recall using a computerized interview software program (EPIC-SOFT). Intakes of the fat-soluble nutrients were estimated using the standardized EPIC Nutrient Database. Results: For all the nutrients, in most centres, men had a higher level of intake than did women, even after adjustments for total energy intake and anthropometric confounders. Distinct regional gradients from northern to southern European countries were observed for all nutrients. The level intake of β-carotene and vitamin E also showed some differences by level of education, smoking status and physical activity. No meaningful differences in the nutrient intake were observed by age range. Conclusions: These results show differences by study centre, gender, age and various lifestyle variables in the intake of retinol, β-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin D between 10 European countries.

Objective Women with a moderate intake of alcohol have higher concentrations of sex steroids in serum, and higher risk of developing breast cancer, compared to non-drinkers. In the present study, we investigate the relationships between alcohol consumption and serum levels of sex steroids and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in 790 pre- and 1,291 post-menopausal women, who were part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Methods Serum levels of testosterone (T), androstenedione (Δ₄), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), estrone (E₁), estradiol (E₂) and SHBG were measured by direct immunoassays. Free T (fT) and free E₂ (fE₂) were calculated according to mass action laws. Current alcohol intake exposure to alcohol was assessed from dietary questionnaires. Results Pre-menopausal women who consumed more than 25 g/day of alcohol had about 30% higher DHEAS, T and fT, 20% higher Δ₄ and about 40% higher E₁, concentrations compared to women who were non-consumers, E₂, fE₂ and SHBG concentrations showed no association with current alcohol intake. In post-menopausal women, DHEAS, fT, T, Δ₄, and E₁ concentrations were between 10% and 20% higher in women who consumed more than 25 g/day of alcohol compared to non-consumers. E₂ or fE₂ were not associated with alcohol intake at all. SHBG levels were about 15% lower in alcohol consumers compared to non-consumers. Conclusion This study supports the hypothesis of an influence of alcohol intake on sex hormone concentrations in blood.

Mediterranean diet is associated with lower incidence of coronary heart disease, and two randomised trials indicated that it improves prognosis of coronary patients. These trials, however, relied on a total of 100 deaths and evaluated designer diets in the clinical context. We have evaluated the association of adherence to the modified Mediterranean diet, in which unsaturates were substituted for monounsaturates, with survival among elderly with previous myocardial infarction within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC) study. As of December 2003, after a median follow-up of 6.7 years, 2671 EPIC participants from nine countries were 60 years or older and had prevalent myocardial infarction but no stroke or cancer at enrolment, complete information on dietary intakes and important covariates and known survival status. Adherence to the modified Mediterranean diet was assessed through a 10-unit-scale. Mortality ratio in relation to modified Mediterranean diet was estimated through Cox regression controlling for possible confounding. Increased adherence to modified Mediterranean diet by two units was associated with 18% lower overall mortality rate (95% confidence interval 7–27%, fixed effects model). There was no significant heterogeneity by sex, age at enrolment, or country, although the association tended to be less evident among northern Europeans. Associations between food groups contributing to the modified Mediterranean diet and mortality were generally weak. A diet inspired by the Mediterranean pattern that can be easily adopted by Western populations is associated with substantial reduction of total mortality of coronary patients in the community.

Objectives To study the effect of long term exposure to airborne pollutants on the incidence of acute coronary events in 11 cohorts participating in the European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE). Design Prospective cohort studies and meta-analysis of the results. Setting Cohorts in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Italy. Participants 100 166 people were enrolled from 1997 to 2007 and followed for an average of 11.5 years. Participants were free from previous coronary events at baseline. Main outcome measures Modelled concentrations of particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), 2.5-10 μm (PMcoarse), and <10 μm (PM10) in aerodynamic diameter, soot (PM2.5 absorbance), nitrogen oxides, and traffic exposure at the home address based on measurements of air pollution conducted in 2008-12. Cohort specific hazard ratios for incidence of acute coronary events (myocardial infarction and unstable angina) per fixed increments of the pollutants with adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors, and pooled random effects meta-analytic hazard ratios. Results 5157 participants experienced incident events. A 5 μg/m3 increase in estimated annual mean PM2.5 was associated with a 13% increased risk of coronary events (hazard ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 0.98 to 1.30), and a 10 μg/m3 increase in estimated annual mean PM10 was associated with a 12% increased risk of coronary events (1.12, 1.01 to 1.25) with no evidence of heterogeneity between cohorts. Positive associations were detected below the current annual European limit value of 25 μg/m3 for PM2.5 (1.18, 1.01 to 1.39, for 5 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5) and below 40 μg/m3 for PM10 (1.12, 1.00 to 1.27, for 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10). Positive but non-significant associations were found with other pollutants. Conclusions Long term exposure to particulate matter is associated with incidence of coronary events, and this association persists at levels of exposure below the current European limit values.