3. A large case-control study looked at the role alcohol plays in the development of esophageal
cancer. Data from 500 cases and the 775 controls are displayed below. Information about food
and alcohol consumption was gathered by interview. Researchers looked at the relationship
between consuming 80 or more grams of alcohol (equivalent to a six-pack of beer or a bottle of
wine) per day and the development of this cancer.
Exposure
80+ grams alcohol/day
< 80 grams alcohol/day
Odds of exposure
Individuals with EC (cases)
a = 58
c=442
a/c
Disease
a. Calculate the odds ratio. Show your work. (5 pts)
Individuals without EC (controls)
b = 58
d = 709
b/d
b. Interpret your results. What does this measure of association tell you about the
development of disease?