A case-controlled study of the current role of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in primary liver cell carcinoma in Nigerians.

This paper describes the findings of a case-controlled study of 100 patients with primary liver cell carcinoma, sex- and age-matched with another 100 patients seen at the orthopaedic clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Contrary to widespread belief, the relative risks of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were not found to be statistically significant. The implication of this on the possible aetiology of primary liver cancer is discussed.