Does pizza protect against cancer?

Int J Cancer. 2003 Nov 1;107(2):283-4. doi: 10.1002/ijc.11382.

Abstract

We analyzed the potential role of pizza on cancer risk, using data from an integrated network of case-control studies conducted in Italy between 1991 and 2000. Cancer sites were: oral cavity and pharynx (598 cases), esophagus (304 cases), larynx (460 cases), colon (1,225 cases) and rectum (728 cases). Controls were 4,999 patients admitted for acute, non-neoplastic conditions to the same hospital network as cases. Odds ratios for regular pizza consumers were 0.66 (95% confidence interval, CI = 0.47-0.93) for oral and pharyngeal cancer, 0.41 (95% CI = 0.25-0.69) for oesophageal, 0.82 (95% CI = 0.56-1.19) for laryngeal, 0.74 (95% CI = 0.61-0.89) for colon and 0.93 (95% CI = 0.75-1.17) for rectal cancer. Pizza appears therefore to be a favorable indicator of risk for digestive tract neoplasms in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diet
  • Digestive System Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Digestive System Neoplasms / etiology
  • Digestive System Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Food*
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Factors