EBV-associated gastric carcinoma in high- and low-incidence areas for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10% of gastric carcinomas are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The Inuit in Greenland have a high incidence of EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study comparing gastric carcinomas in Greenland and in Denmark. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of EBV-associated gastric carcinomas was 8.5% in both populations. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study argue against a general susceptibility to EBV-associated carcinomas among the Inuit.