Diet and serum markers in relation to primary brain tumor risk in China.

Associations between primary brain tumor mortality and dietary habits, certain serum biochemical markers, and life-style factors were evaluated in a county-based correlation study utilizing data collected from an ecological survey in 49 Chinese rural counties. Univariate correlation and multivariate regression analyses showed that high consumption of salt-preserved vegetables was linked to increased primary brain tumor mortality rates, although the association was significant only among men. In addition, high intake of green vegetables among men was associated with decreased rates. No clear association was seen between primary brain tumor mortality rates and tobacco use, body mass index, and serum biochemical markers. Limitations of these ecological data preclude causal inferences, but the findings provide etiologic clues to primary brain tumor mortality in rural China.