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Renal cell carcinoma among architects.
J T Lowery1, J M Peters, D Deapen
1Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, School of Public Health, Los Angeles.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|January 1, 1991
Summary
This study investigated cancer risk in architects, finding a notable increase in renal cell carcinoma cases. Further research is recommended to confirm this association between architecture and kidney cancer.
Area of Science:
- Occupational epidemiology
- Cancer surveillance
- Public health
Background:
- Routine surveillance of population-based cancer registry data is crucial for identifying occupational cancer risks.
- Previous studies have not extensively examined the specific cancer risks associated with the architecture profession.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential associations between occupation and cancer risk, specifically focusing on architects.
- To determine if there is an elevated risk of renal cell carcinoma among architects.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of population-based cancer registry data from 1972-1986.
- Comparison of observed cancer cases in architects against expected numbers based on general population rates.
- Evaluation of cancer incidence across various professional groups.
Main Results:
- 119 total cancer cases were reported among architects.
- 13 cases of renal cell carcinoma were observed in male architects (aged up to 64), compared to an expected 3.1 cases.
- No significant cancer risk elevations were found in other professional groups analyzed.
Conclusions:
- A potential association between employment as an architect and an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma is suggested.
- Architects' exposure to various toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemicals may contribute to this observed risk.
- Further investigation using cancer registry data coded by occupation is recommended to validate this finding.