Occupation and risk of pancreatic cancer: a population-based case-control study in iowa

J Occup Environ Med. 2005 Apr;47(4):392-8. doi: 10.1097/01.jom.0000158707.88801.f5.

Abstract

Objective: Previous epidemiological studies have inconsistently linked various occupations and industries to pancreatic cancer risk.

Methods: We analyzed data from a population-based case-control study conducted in Iowa involving 376 histologically confirmed incident pancreatic cancer cases and 2434 control subjects.

Results: A significantly increased risk was observed among men who worked in the following industries: chemical and allied products, transportation, and elementary and secondary schools. Increased risks also were observed in men who were employed as truck drivers; railroad brake, signal, and switch operators; purchasing agents and buyers; teachers; insurance agents; and retail supervisors. Among women, a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer was found for employment in furniture and home furnishing stores, and a borderline significantly increased risk among textile sewing machine operators and tenders.

Conclusions: Working in several occupations and industries was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in this study, and these associations warrant further investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iowa / epidemiology
  • Leisure Activities
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupations*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Population Surveillance / methods*
  • Registries
  • Risk
  • Smoking / adverse effects