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Mortality study of British pathologists 1974-80
Insights
Pathologists experienced higher rates of suicide and brain tumors compared to the general population. However, their mortality rates for lymphatic cancers and lung cancer were not elevated, despite formaldehyde exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated excess deaths from lymphatic and haemopoietic neoplasms among pathologists.
- The current study investigates mortality patterns in a cohort of UK Royal College of Pathologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the standardized mortality ratios (SMR) for all causes of death among pathologists.
- To identify specific causes of excess mortality, including cancers and suicide.
- To explore potential etiological factors for observed mortality patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized membership lists of the Royal College of Pathologists (1974-1980) to form a study population.
- Obtained death certificates for deceased pathologists within the study period.
- Calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMR) comparing the cohort to the general population.
Main Results:
- Overall SMR for men was 56, and for women was 99.
- Excess deaths were observed for accidents, poisoning, violence, and particularly suicide (drug overdose).
- An excess of brain tumors was found (observed 6, expected <2.0, p<0.02), while excess lymphatic/haemopoietic neoplasms were not confirmed. Lung cancer SMR was 41.
Conclusions:
- Pathologists exhibit elevated risks for suicide and brain tumors, potentially linked to occupational exposures like organic solvents or tuberculosis.
- No excess risk for lung cancer or nasal/nasal sinus tumors was observed, despite formaldehyde exposure.
- Mortality patterns suggest specific occupational risks distinct from general medical practitioners.
Abstract:
Membership lists of the Royal College of Pathologists from 1974 to 1980 were used to establish a population of 2307 men and 413 women. During the period of study 126 of these pathologists died and death certificates were obtained for 121. The standardised mortality ratios (SMR) for all causes in men were 56 and in women 99. Deaths from accidents, poisoning, violence, and especially suicide, were noted to be in excess of that expected from the general population but similar to that for medical practitioners. Drug overdose was the cause of each suicide. Excess deaths from lymphatic and haemopoietic neoplasms noted in a previous study were not present but an excess of brain tumours was found. Including 1981 data thus far collected, deaths from brain tumour were apparently in excess (observed 6, expected less than 2.0, p less than 0.02). Possible aetiological hypotheses include previous exposure to organic solvents or tuberculosis infection. In view of the pathologists' exposure to formaldehyde it is interesting to note that no nasal or nasal sinus tumours were reported and the SMR for lung cancer was 41.