Incidence of uterine leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma in Nordic countries: results from NORDCAN and NOCCA databases

Abstract

Objectives and study design: Uterine sarcomas are an uncommon and heterogeneous group of malignancies. Their etiology is mainly unknown. Here, we analyzed trends in incidence and occupational variation in risk of uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) and endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) in the Nordic countries aided by NORDCAN and NOCCA (Nordic Occupational Cancer) databases.

Main outcome measures: Incidence rates per 100,000 and Standardized incidences rates (SIR) obtained from NORDCAN and NOCCA databases.

Results: The incidence rates were about 0.3 per 100,000 for ESS and about 0.4 per 100,000 for LMS in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway. During the study-period (1978-2007), the incidence rates in each country were quite similar and constant. The age-specific incidence of LMS showed a peak around menopause. Significantly increased risk for LMS occurred in shoe and leather workers, farmers and teachers, whereas significantly low risk was detected with packers in the NOCCA data from Finland, Norway, and Sweden. For ESS no occupations showed either increased or decreased incidences.

Conclusions: The incidence trends of LMS and ESS in our study were constant in four Nordic countries over time. The elevated risk for LMS with women exposed to leather work and animal dust indicates further exploration.