Prostate cancer and work environment

Abstract

A case-referent study was conducted to investigate the relation between occupation and prostate cancer. For this study 109 cases and 209 referents (patients with prostate hyperplasia) were selected from the registries of four hospitals. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to all subjects to obtain information on their occupational history. The response was 85%. Nonsignificant elevated risks were found for farmers, metal workers, mechanics and repairmen, traders, and salesmen. A significant risk excess was observed for teachers (n = 6; odds ratio [OR] 4.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-15.79). The OR calculated for farmers older than 70 years was also significant (n = 9; OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.03-4.38). Literature was searched for additional evidence of excess risk among farmers, metal workers, mechanics and repairers, and to find clues for actual risk factors. From the review it can be concluded that these occupations may have a slightly increased risk for prostate cancer. However, the actual risk factors are uncertain.