ARCAGE a follow-up study

Nearly 200 Norwegians participated in a study where risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, larynx and oesophagus were examined related to occupation, life-style and socioeconomic status, in the period from 2002 - 2005. Now the project will look at conditions linked to the individual patient’s life style, tumour type and treatment and see how this influences survival and the risk of being diagnosed with a new cancer.

ARCAGE is a European case-control study on risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, larynx and oesophagus that was carried out in the period 2002-2005.

Nearly 2 500 patients (whereof ca 200 Norwegians) and as many healthy persons (control group), were asked about work background, socioeconomic status, alcohol and tobacco use, diet and weight. The study was based on informed consent and a bio bank containing blood samples from each participant was established.

So far the study has resulted in several articles (see publication list under). All of these have contributed to increased knowledge regarding these cancer types. Now the project has gotten the necessary permits to carry out a follow-up study. Here the aim is to examine how prognosis and survival is influenced by factors related to the patient, the tumour and the treatment. We hope that this will further contribute to ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer in the mouth, throat, larynx and oesophagus.