Prevalence and Socio-Demographic status correlates of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chandini G; NPrabhavathy Devi N; Sachdev Meenakshi; Kannappan Karunanidhi; Sivamalar Sathasivam

doi:10.31557/APJCC.2026.11.6.909

Authors

Chandini G Research Scholar, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
NPrabhavathy Devi N Principal, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sachdev Meenakshi Dietitian, Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital (TNGMSSH), Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Kannappan Karunanidhi Department of Research, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai - 600078, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sivamalar Sathasivam Department of Research, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai - 600078, Tamil Nadu, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCC.2026.11.6.909

Keywords:

Upper Gastro Intestinal cancer, Prevalence, Socio-demographic factors, Smoking, Alcohol, Betel Nut chewing, Chennai.

Abstract

Introduction: Upper Gastro Intestinal (UGI) cancers remain significant health concern contributing to chronic diseases burden in India and Globally. Behavioural risk factors like tobacco, alcohol consumption, dietary and lifestyle factors are well-recognized etiological risk determinants for gastric, esophageal cancers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UGI cancers and its association with socio-demographic and behavioural risk factors among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Materials and Methods: A Descriptive Cross Sectional study was conducted for 5 months (February to June 2025) at Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai. A cohort of 500 adult cancer patients were assessed for UGI cancers, socio-demographic and behavioural factors using structured validated questionnaire by purposive sampling technique. Socio-economic status was classified using Modified Kuppusamy scale (2022). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0; categorical associations were evaluated with Chi-square/ Fishers exact tests (p<0.05).

Results: Out of the 500 cancer patients screened, 60 cases (12%) were diagnosed with UGI cancers. The prevalence of UGI cancers were significantly higher among males compared to females (63.3% vs. 31.6%; p<0.001). Behavioural risk factors demonstrated notable associations: smoking was more common among patients with UGI cancers than those without (23.3% vs. 11.1%; p=0.01; OR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.25-4.74), as was alcohol consumption (45% vs. 12.5%; p<0.001; OR=5.73; 95% CI: 3.20–10.25). Additionally, betel nut chewing showed a significant association with UGI cancers (10% vs. 3.2%; p=0.02; OR=3.38; 95% CI: 1.25–9.17).

Conclusion: Upper Gastrointestinal cancers constituted 12% of all cancer cases in this tertiary care setting. Male gender and behavioural factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking and betel nut chewing were significantly associated with UGI cancers. These findings highlight the need for targeted behavioural interventions and awareness programs to reduce risk of UGI cancers in vulnerable population.