[Could the Quebec Tumor Registry be used to identify risks of occupational cancers?]

Many countries have used their tumor registries to conduct studies on cancer and occupation. In the past, the Quebec Tumor Registry (QTR) has collected information on occupation of cases. The form currently in use has a space to include this information but it is not mandatory to do so. Among male cases of naso-sinusal, pleural and ocular cancer, diagnosed between 1975 and 1979, and aged 16 to 64, 72% had information on occupation. The occupation registered at the QTR and the occupation given by the case himself during epidemiological studies on bladder cancer and leukemia are respectively the same in 64% and 69% of cases. The association between mesothelioma and work in asbestos related industries was not found in the present study. Explanations and recommendations are given.