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Occupation and prostate cancer risk in Sweden
S Sharma-Wagner1, A P Chokkalingam, H S Malker
1George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Public Health Program of Epidemiology, Washington, D.C., USA.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|May 29, 2000
Summary
This study identified occupational prostate cancer risks, linking Swedish cancer registry data with census employment information. Farmers, leather workers, and those in agriculture or with low physical activity showed increased risk.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a significant public health concern.
- Identifying occupational risk factors is crucial for prevention strategies.
- Previous research has suggested links between certain occupations and prostate cancer, but further investigation is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential occupational risk factors for prostate cancer.
- To identify specific industries and job roles associated with elevated prostate cancer incidence.
- To explore the role of occupational exposures and physical activity in prostate cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study linking 36,269 prostate cancer cases from the Swedish National Cancer Registry (1961-1979) with 1960 National Census employment data.
- Calculation of standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for prostate cancer across various industry and occupation classifications.
- Analysis of risk based on industry type, occupation, and potential exposure to agents like cadmium, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Main Results:
- Significant excess prostate cancer risks were observed in agriculture-related industries, soap/perfume manufacture, and leather processing.
- Elevated SIRs were found for farmers, leather workers, and white-collar occupations.
- Preliminary findings suggest increased risk associated with exposure to cadmium, herbicides, fertilizers, and low occupational physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Farmers and individuals in specific industries (agriculture, leather, soap/perfume) face higher prostate cancer risks.
- Certain occupational exposures (cadmium, herbicides, fertilizers) and low physical activity may contribute to elevated prostate cancer risk.
- Further research is necessary to confirm these associations and elucidate specific causal agents.