Epidemiological Factor

The epidemiological studies reveal the information on the incidence and risk factors of a cancer in a particular country. John Hill cautioned in 1759 that the use of snuff derived from tobacco plant might lead to cancer. In 1775 Percival Pott, an English physician, described that cancer of the scrotum in chimney sweeps was due to rubbing of the scrotum against soot. Percival Pott is considered as the first scientist to have conducted the epidemiological study on the cancer. Melanoma is rare in the black and oriental people, suggesting that melanin plays a protective role against the skin cancer.