Abstract: Objective To explore the risk factors of gastric cardia cancer in rural area of southeastern Shanxi province.Methods A population based 1: 2 matched case-control study was conducted in rural area of southeastern Shanxi province.A total of 120 gastric cardia cancer patients and 240 matched controls were investigated with face-to-face questinnaire survey.The data were analyzed with conditional logistic model analysis.Results The family history of gastric cancer(odds ratioOR=2.83,95% confidence intervalCI:1.74-2.94),cigarette smoking(OR=2.89,95% CI:1.57-5.30),and preference of taking hot food(OR=1.32,95% CI:1.12-2.79)significantly increased the risk of developing gastric cardia cancer,while body mass index≥24(OR=0.20,95% CI:0.06-0.67),drinking tea(OR=0.43,95% CI:0.15-0.78),and eating fresh fruits frequently(OR=0.62,95% CI:0.36-0.91)were protective factors.Conclusion Living and eating habits are risk factors of gastric cardia cancer in southeastern Shanxi province.The corresponding comprehensive prevention strategies targeting related risk factors are required.