Epidemiological observations on cancer of the oesophagus--a review of Indian studies.

This is an epidemiological review on cancer of the oesophagus. In this attempt, all aspects of epidemiological factors based on national and international studies on oesophageal cancer have been brought out. The problem of this cancer in Indian context has been documented. The association of tobacco and alcohol habits with oesophageal cancer has been confirmed from the studies conducted in India. There is an urgent need to educate the common people about the harmful effect of these two habits and governments and voluntary organisation should take effective steps for its prevention.