[Study of risk factors for prostatic cancer]

A case-control study was conducted on 294 prostatic cancer patients and controls. General population controls were chosen from 13 areas in Gunma Prefecture and were matched by age (+/- 2 y.o.) to cases. Odds ratio (O.R.) and 95% confidence interval (C.I.) were calculated on each item according to group; 69 years old or younger and 70 years old or older, and age-adjusted O.R. and 95% C.I. were calculated. Risk factors of prostatic cancer were investigated. There was a significantly higher risk for prostatic cancer in those 1) engaged in agriculture, forestry or fishery (< or = 69, > or = 70, total), 2) shaving 1/3 days or less frequently (> or = 70, total), 3) having thin pubic hair (total), 4) phimosis (< or = 69, total), 5) having history of smoking (> or = 70, total), 6) history of smoking 50 years or more (total), 7) having eaten vegetables rarely (> or = 70, total), 8) having past history or complication of asthma (> or = 70). O.R.s of having past history or complication of benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis and urethral stricture were high significantly, but they were supposed to be caused by bias. Four patients had first degree family members who suffered from prostatic cancer, compared to zero in the control. There was a significantly lower risk for prostatic cancer in those 1) engaged in office work (> or = 70, total), 2) blood type A or AB (< or = 69), 3) having had one child or none (total), 4) having past history or complication of tuberculosis (total).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)