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Cancer in veterinarians.
1Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran 3181, Australia. fritschi@med.monash.edu.au
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|April 19, 2000
Summary
Veterinarians face carcinogenic risks from radiation, pesticides, and zoonotic organisms. Studies suggest increased cancer mortality, particularly lymphohaematopoietic cancers and melanoma, in the veterinary profession.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Veterinary Medicine
- Carcinogenesis
Background:
- Veterinarians are exposed to potential carcinogens like radiation, anesthetic gases, pesticides, and zoonotic organisms.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for protecting veterinary professionals' health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the carcinogenic risks associated with occupational exposures in veterinarians.
- To summarize existing evidence on cancer risks in the veterinary profession.
Main Methods:
- Examined exposure levels to potential carcinogens in veterinary practice.
- Reviewed human carcinogenesis data for relevant substances at veterinarian-equivalent doses.
- Summarized published studies on cancer incidence in veterinarians.
Main Results:
- Veterinarians have significant exposure potential to known and potential carcinogens.
- Risks identified include poorly maintained X-ray equipment, insecticide use, and contact with carcinogenic zoonotic organisms.
- Studies indicate elevated mortality from lymphohaematopoietic cancers, melanoma, and potentially colon cancer in veterinarians.
Conclusions:
- The identified exposures and associated risks are not exclusive to veterinary medicine.
- Findings have implications for other occupations including veterinary nurses, animal handlers, farmers, dentists, radiographers, and anesthetists.