Occupation and risk of prostate cancer in Canadian men: A case-control study across eight Canadian provinces. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sritharan, Jeavana; Demers, Paul A.; Harris, Shelley A.; Cole, Donald C.; Peters, Cheryl E.; Villeneuve, Paul J.
• Is Part Of: Cancer epidemiology. Volume 48(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Prostate cancer -- Occupation -- Industry -- Case-control study -- Epidemiology; Cancer -- Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Carcinogenesis -- Periodicals; 616.994005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2017.04.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1877-7821

Abstract

Highlights: Few Canadian studies have examined prostate cancer by job with individual factors. Elevated risks for ever worked in farming/management, the armed forces and law. Elevated risks for ever worked/≥10 years employment in office work and plumbing. A decreased risk for ever worked/≥10 years employment in construction management. Further research is needed on job specific exposures and screening behaviours. Abstract: Background: The etiology of prostate cancer continues to be poorly understood, including the role of occupation. Past Canadian studies have not been able to thoroughly examine prostate cancer by occupation with detailed information on individual level factors. Methods: Occupation, industry and prostate cancer were examined using data from the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System, a large population-based case-control study conducted across eight Canadian provinces from 1994 to 1997. This analysis included 1737 incident cases and 1803 controls aged 50 to 79 years. Lifetime occupational histories were used to group individuals by occupation and industry employment. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and adjustments were made for known and possible risk factors. Results: By occupation, elevated risks were observed in farming and farm management (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.02–1.84), armed forces (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.65) and legal work (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.05–6.35). Elevated risks were also observed in office work (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.00–1.43) and plumbing (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.07–2.93) and with ≥10 years duration of employment. Decreased risks were observed in senior management (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.91), construction management (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.94) and travel work (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.88). Industry results were similar to occupation results, except for an elevated risk in forestry/logging (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.25) and a decreased risk in primary metal products (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96). Conclusion: This study presents associations between occupation, industry and prostate cancer, while accounting for individual level factors. Further research is needed on potential job-specific exposures and screening behaviours.