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Published on: August 25, 2017
Association between pulmonary dysfunction as a result of occupational exposures and risk of developing cancer
Punam Pahwa1, Chandima P Karunanayake, James A Dosman
1Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. pup165@mail.usask.ca
Background:
Cohen's hypothesis states that pulmonary dysfunction is the underlying unifying factor that leads to numerous health risks of inhaled toxicants.
Objective:
To test the idea postulated by Cohen.
Methods:
We compiled a retrospective cohort (n = 8024) composed of participants in eight population-based research and occupational studies conducted between 1977 and 1989. Smoking history, occupational exposures, health indicators, and demographic information were obtained by questionnaire. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry.
Results:
Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to test the Cohen's hypothesis. Risk of developing cancer increased (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.67) if a subject had an obstructive pulmonary disease at baseline.
Conclusion:
Impaired lung function caused by environmental and occupational exposures is one of the risk factors for the incidence of cancer.
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