Question

An epidemiologist found five cases of “big toe cancer” in the Yukon Territory. Because there were only a few cases, the epidemiologist decided to conduct a matched case-control study to determine whether shoe size larger than 9 is a risk factor for big toe cancer. Cases were individually matched to one control for daily activity, history of athlete’s foot, and history of ingrown toenails. The following data were gathered:

Shoe size > 9

Pair Case Control
1     Yes      No
2    No       No
3    No      Yes
4     Yes    Yes
5      No    Yes

A) Compute the proper measure of association.

B) Interpret your results.

C) If you were to investigate a rare cancer in Lynchburg, where might you look for data?

D) What would be necessary legally and ethically to be able to utilize this data set(s)?

Answer 1