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Farming and prostate cancer mortality
H Morrison1, D Savitz, R Semenciw
1Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Farmers exposed to herbicides show a higher risk of prostate cancer mortality. Further research is needed to understand the specific effects of herbicides on cancer risk in agricultural workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Farmers have an elevated risk of prostate cancer, but the causative exposures are not well-understood.
- Previous studies suggest potential links between farming and increased prostate cancer incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific farm exposures and prostate cancer mortality.
- To identify potential agricultural risk factors contributing to excess prostate cancer risk in farmers.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study of male farmers aged 45+ in Canada (1971-1987).
- Cohort data linked to national mortality records to identify prostate cancer deaths.
- Poisson regression analysis used to assess risk related to farm practices (e.g., livestock, pesticides, herbicides).
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was observed between the number of acres sprayed with herbicides and prostate cancer mortality.
- Farmers who sprayed 250+ acres with herbicides had a 2.23 times higher risk (RR=2.23, 95% CI 1.30-3.84).
- No other examined farm exposures showed a consistent pattern of increased or decreased risk.
Conclusions:
- Herbicide exposure, specifically the acreage treated, is a potential risk factor for prostate cancer mortality in farmers.
- These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the specific mechanisms by which herbicides may influence prostate cancer development.
- The study underscores the importance of considering agricultural chemical exposures in occupational cancer research.