Occupation and pancreatic cancer in Spain: a case-control study based on job titles. PANKRAS II Study Group

Occupational exposures may increase the risk of exocrine pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to identify occupations that in Spain may be associated with such risk.

Incident cases of pancreatic cancer and hospital controls were prospectively identified and interviewed during their hospital stay. Occupational history was obtained by direct interview with the patient and was available for 164 (89%) of 185 pancreatic cancer cases and for 238 (90%) of 264 controls. Occupations were coded according to the Spanish version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988.

A significant increased odds ratio (OR) was observed in men for 'physical, chemistry and engineering science technicians'. Elevated risks were also found for 'metal moulders, sheet-metal workers, structural metal workers, welders and related workers', 'painters and varnishers' and 'machinery mechanics and fitters'. 'Agricultural workers' did not present an increased risk for pancreas cancer in men. In women, however, high OR were observed for 'agricultural workers' and for 'textile and garment workers'. Most associations remained unchanged after considering long duration of the exposure and the period 5-15 years before diagnosis.

Few occupations were at increased risk for pancreatic cancer, and the associations observed are in accordance with previous studies. The increases in risk observed for women in agricultural and textile jobs, and for men in the manufacture of dyes and pigments may deserve further attention.