Digit ratio (2D:4D) in Chinese women with gastric cancer.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Digit ratio, especially the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D4D), is a proxy indicator for prenatal exposure and sensitivity to sexual hormones which may influence the susceptibility to certain cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a possible association between 2D4D and gastric cancer (GCA) in north Chinese women. METHODS: Photographs of the left and right hands of 167 women (controls 113; patients 54) were collected. Left hand, right hand, and right minus left hand (Dr-l) 2D4D were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The GCA group presented significantly lower 2D4D than controls (left P < .01; right P < .05). No significant difference was observed in Dr-l between the two groups. In patients, there were no correlations between 2D4D and age at GCA or tumor staging. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased 2D4D (especially of the left hand) may suggest a higher prenatal testosterone (lower prenatal estrogen) exposure in north Chinese women with GCA.