Green Tea Consumption and Esophageal Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The protective role of green tea against cancer is still unknown.

Objectives: To investigate the association between green tea consumption and esophageal cancer risk through meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for studies on the relationship between green tea and esophageal cancer risk. We assessed heterogeneity (I²) and publication bias (Begg’s and Egger’s tests). Pooled relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models.

Results: A total of 20 studies were included. The RRs for all studies was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.57–0.73), with I² = 75.3% and P?=?0. In the subgroup analysis, the following variables showed marked heterogeneity: Asian (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.56–0.73) and non-Asian countries (RR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.45–1.03), female (RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39–0.71) and male?+?female (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.54–0.75), case–control study (RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.52–0.71), impact factor >3 (RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.56–0.75), impact factor <3 (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48–0.80), Newcastle–Ottawa Scale >7 (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.66–0.97) and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale ≤7 (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.49–0.68).

Conclusion: Green tea consumption could be a protective factor for esophageal cancer.