Neuroepidemiology. 1989 ; 8(5): 266-75.

Risk factors for tumors of the brain and cranial meninges in Seventh-Day Adventists.

Mills PK, Preston-Martin S, Annegers JF, Beeson WL, Phillips RL, Fraser GE.

Loma Linda University, Department of Preventive Medicine, Calif.

We studied the occurrence of tumors of the brain and cranial meninges in a cohort of 34,000 California Seventh-Day Adventists who completed a detailed life-style questionnaire in 1976 and who were followed for cancer incidence until the end of 1982. During the period of follow-up, 31 tumors were diagnosed in the cohort (21 gliomas, 10 meningiomas). Increased risk for glioma was associated with rural residence, history of a positive tuberculosis skin test and consumption of pork products; increased meningioma risk was associated with a positive reaction to a tuberculosis skin test, previous stroke, use of tranquillizers and a vegetarian life-style in childhood.