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Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
Published on: August 21, 2013
Cancer incidence among cosmetologists
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|May 1, 1984
Summary
Connecticut cosmetologists, particularly women licensed before 1935, showed increased cancer risks, including lung and ovarian cancers. Further surveillance is needed for leukemias and brain cancers in this occupational group.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The Connecticut cosmetology workforce, particularly those licensed before 1935, may face elevated cancer risks due to occupational exposures.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated cancer incidence among licensed cosmetologists in Connecticut.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cancer incidence among Connecticut cosmetologists by comparing their rates to the general population.
- To identify specific cancer types and risk factors associated with hairdressing professions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study design was employed, analyzing cancer incidence in 13,650 Connecticut cosmetologists (11,845 female, 1,805 male) licensed for at least 5 years and trained before 1966.
- Cancer incidence rates were compared to the general Connecticut population from 1935-1978 using standardized incidence ratios (SIR).
Main Results:
- Female cosmetologists exhibited a significant overall cancer incidence (SIR = 112), with notable excesses in lung cancer (SIR = 141) and borderline significant increases in brain (SIR = 168) and ovarian cancers (SIR = 134).
- Female cosmetologists licensed between 1925-1934 showed significantly higher overall cancer incidence (SIR = 129), with excesses in respiratory, breast, corpus uterine, and ovarian cancers, particularly those with over 35 years of licensure.
- Male cosmetologists had an overall cancer incidence close to expected rates (SIR = 105).
Conclusions:
- The study suggests an elevated cancer risk for female cosmetologists, especially those with early licensure dates and long follow-up periods.
- While specific occupational agents remain unidentified, excesses in leukemias and brain cancers warrant continued surveillance.
- Unaccounted factors like smoking and reproductive history may influence observed cancer excesses in female cosmetologists.
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