Trace Element Levels and Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx in Kenya

Abstract

Trace Element Levels and Carcinoma of the possible causative agents related to the incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer among the indigenous peoples of Kenya who live in higher altitude environments, have been discussed by Clifford (1965). Attention has been directed toward the need for a greater understanding of the role of trace elements in clinical medicine, Lancet (1966a). Specifically, the work of Burrell et al. (1966) on the incidence of oesophageal cancer in the Transkei has emphasized the possible role of trace elements in both soils and food plants as aetiological factors predisposing towards or actually causing cancer (Lancet I 966b). Of course, relationships between geochemistry and cancer are not new (Hedley-White 1965, Lancet 1966b).