ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A number of lifestyle factors are important in the etiology of basal cell carcinoma. Previous studies have investigated smoking, alcohol, diet, and sun exposure as possible contributing factors. No previous studies have investigated case-controlled lifestyle influences in basal cell carcinomas referred for Mohs micrographic surgery. METHODS: Cases were obtained from Mohs-referred basal cell carcinoma patients. Matched controls were selected from a busy dermatology clinic. The only criteria for selection of controls was never having had cancer previously. Cases and controls were surveyed regarding lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS: Forty-six age, sex, and skintype-matched controls were compared. Sun exposure, alcohol, and smoking were not significant factors. Dietary fat, fiber, and the vitamins A, C, and beta carotene, as well as selenium showed important, but not significant differences. Caffeine consumption was higher in the cancer group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings agree with previously published studies in regard to antioxidant consumption as a protective factor for basal cell carcinoma. Caffeine consumption was higher in the cancer patients.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Basal Cell/epidemiology , Life Style , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Aged , Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects , Ascorbic Acid/administration & dosage , Caffeine/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/prevention & control , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/surgery , Carotenoids/administration & dosage , Case-Control Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mohs Surgery , Risk Factors , Selenium/administration & dosage , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Smoking/adverse effects , Vitamin E/administration & dosage , beta CaroteneABSTRACT
Reversal theory, a general theory of motivation, emotion and action, has recently been shown to predict lapses in smoking cessation. Individuals are less likely to lapse if they are in the telic (serious-minded, arousal avoidant, goal-oriented) state than when they are in the paratelic (playful, arousal seeking, spontaneous) state. The literature indicates that people can smoke in such a way as to either increase or decrease central nervous system arousal; smoking in the telic and paratelic states might therefore differentially affect the resting electroencephalograph, as quantified by Fast Fourier Transform analysis. The basic hypothesis was supported. Theta power was decreased when subjects in the telic state smoked, while beta 2 power was increased when subjects in the paratelic state smoked; the latter finding was, however, true only for men. The results have important implications for research on changing health behaviors and for smoking cessation programs.
