Occupational associations among British Columbia male cancer patients

In a study of 6,389 male cancer patients diagnosed and treated at the Cancer Control Agency of British Columbia from 1950-1975, several associations were detected between occupation and specific cancers. Elevated risks for lung cancer were seen in miners, metal processors and machinists, while a reduced risk was seen in farmers. Lip cancer excesses were detected in individuals involved in several outdoor occupations, and melanoma excesses were seen for three groups of predominantly indoor workers. These results confirm previous findings in the literature, whereas the following associations have not been previously reported. Fishermen were found to have an excess of Hodgkin's Disease (RR = 3.0, 95% C.I. = 1.4,6.5), engineers are at an elevated risk of cancer of the pancreas (RR = 4.2, C.I. = 1.8,9.9), and forestry workers have an elevated risk of bladder cancer (RR = 1.7, C.I. = 1.1,2.6). Further studies will be needed to replicate the new associations detected here.