Malawi has the highest age-standardized rate of oesophageal carcinoma (ESCC), and relies on maize as staple food. Common mycotoxins in maize - fumonisins and aflatoxins- have been linked with an increased risk of ESCC in areas of intensive maize farming. This study aims at measuring the extent of mycotoxins in maize, and establishing associations between exposure and risk of ESCC-development.