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Published on: March 29, 2019
A meta-analysis on the association between bladder cancer and occupation
Raoul C Reulen1, Eliane Kellen, Frank Buntinx
1Centre for Childhood Cancer Survivor Studies, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. r.c.reulen@bham.ac.uk
Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. Supplementum
|December 5, 2008
Summary
This meta-analysis found that specific occupations, including miners and bus drivers, have a small but significant increased risk of bladder cancer. These findings highlight potential public health impacts due to the large number of workers in these roles.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Epidemiological studies on occupation and bladder cancer incidence have yielded inconsistent results.
- Previous studies often lacked sufficient statistical power to detect significant associations.
- A comprehensive review is needed to consolidate existing evidence and enhance statistical power.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis to examine the association between various occupations and bladder cancer incidence.
- To increase statistical power for detecting significant occupational risks for bladder cancer.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline and Embase databases up to May 2008.
- Extraction of individual risk estimates for specific occupations.
- Calculation of summary relative risk (SRR) using a random effects model.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased bladder cancer risks (SRR > 1.20) were identified for nine occupations.
- Occupations with elevated risk include miners (SRR=1.31), bus drivers (SRR=1.29), and rubber workers (SRR=1.29).
- Other identified occupations include motor mechanics, leather workers, blacksmiths, machine setters, hairdressers, and general mechanics.
Conclusions:
- The reviewed studies provide consistent evidence of a small but significant increased risk of bladder cancer in specific occupations.
- Despite the small individual risk, the public health impact may be substantial due to the large workforce in these occupations.
- Further research and targeted prevention strategies are warranted for high-risk occupational groups.
