Occupations with increased risk of pancreatic cancer in the Swedish population

Occupational exposure to silica and risk of gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Although silica is a proven lung carcinogen, there is no convincing evidence linking crystalline silica to gastrointestinal malignancies.

METHODS

We detailedly searched studies on the link between gastrointestinal malignancies and occupational silica exposure. Studies published between 1987 and 2023 were found by searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Further studies were included from reference searching. We conducted a meta-analysis of the incidence and mortality of gastrointestinal malignancies and occupational silica exposure. We computed pooled-risk estimates using random effects models. Egger's regression asymmetry test and a funnel plot were used to identify publication bias. Moreover, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were out.

RESULTS

We identified 40 research with individuals from 13 different countries. The results indicate that occupational silica exposure raises the risk of gastric and esophageal cancer incidence, with pooled standardized incidence ratio of 1.35 (95% CI 1.21-1.51, p < 0.001), 1.31 (95% CI 1.04-1.65, p = 0.023), respectively, but there was a lack of statistically significant relationship between standardized mortality ratio. In addition, we found that silica exposure did not increase the risk of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Occupational silica exposure was found to increase the risk of liver cancer, with pooled SIR and SMR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.04-1.35, p = 0.009), 1.24 (95% CI 1.03-1.49, p = 0.026), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We discovered a link between occupational silica exposure and gastrointestinal malignancies, with cancers of the liver, stomach, and esophagus being the most prevalent. Colorectal and pancreatic cancer were not linked to occupational silica exposure.

Occupational risk factors and pancreatic cancer: a review of recent findings

Several occupational exposures have been linked to excess risk of pancreatic cancer; however, most associations are not well established. The objective of this review article is to report on the more recently published studies (1998-2010), and provide a summary of the most consistently reported occupational risk factors for pancreatic cancer, including exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, nitrosamines, radiation, various airborne particles, and employment in sedentary occupations. We conclude that the strongest and most consistent findings linking occupational exposures with pancreatic cancer risk to date are for chlorinated hydrocarbons and PAHs.

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma blood concentrations of some organochlorine compounds and coffee intake are independently associated with KRAS mutations

While KRAS activation is a fundamental initiating event in the aetiopathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), environmental factors influencing the occurrence and persistence of KRAS mutations remain largely unknown. The objective was to test the hypothesis that in PDA there are aetiopathogenic relationships among concentrations of some organochlorine compounds (OCs) and the mutational status of the KRAS oncogene, as well as among the latter and coffee intake. Incident cases of PDA were interviewed and had blood drawn at hospital admission (N = 103). OCs were measured by high-resolution gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Cases whose tumours harboured a KRAS mutation had higher concentrations of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 138, 153 and 180 than cases with wild-type KRAS, but differences were statistically significant only for p,p'-DDT and PCBs 138 and 153. The association between coffee intake and KRAS mutations remained significant (P-trend < 0.015) when most OCs where accounted for. When p,p'-DDT, PCB 153, coffee and alcohol intake were included in the same model, all were associated with KRAS (P = 0.042, 0.007, 0.016 and 0.025, respectively). p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE and PCB 138 were significantly associated with the two most prevalent KRAS mutations (Val and Asp). OCs and coffee may have independent roles in the aetiopathogenesis of PDA through modulation of KRAS activation, acquisition or persistence, plausibly through non-genotoxic or epigenetic mechanisms. Given that KRAS mutations are the most frequent abnormality of oncogenes in human cancers, and the lifelong accumulation of OCs in humans, refutation or replication of the findings is required before any implications are assessed.

Differences in serum concentrations of organochlorine compounds by occupational social class in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The relationships between social factors and body concentrations of environmental chemical agents are unknown in many human populations. Some chemical compounds may play an etiopathogenic role in pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relationships between occupational social class and serum concentrations of seven selected organochlorine compounds (OCs) in exocrine pancreatic cancer: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (p,p'-DDE), 3 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene, and beta-hexachlorocyclohexane.

METHODS

Incident cases of exocrine pancreatic cancer were prospectively identified, and interviewed face-to-face during hospital admission (n=135). Serum concentrations of OCs were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. Social class was classified according to occupation.

RESULTS

Multivariate-adjusted concentrations of all seven compounds were higher in occupational social classes IV-V (the less affluent) than in classes I-II; they were higher as well in class III than in classes I-II for four compounds. Concentrations of six OCs were higher in manual workers than in non-manual workers (p<0.05 for PCBs). Social class explained statistically between 3.7% and 5.7% of the variability in concentrations of PCBs, and 2% or less variability in the other OCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Concentrations of most OCs were higher in the less affluent occupational social classes. In pancreatic cancer the putative causal role of these persistent organic pollutants may not be independent of social class. There is a need to integrate evidence on the contribution of different social processes and environmental chemical exposures to the etiology of pancreatic and other cancers.

Occupational risk factors for pancreatic cancer among female textile workers in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether occupational exposures to dusts and chemicals in the Shanghai textile industry are associated with risk of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

A case cohort study nested in a cohort of 267,400 female textile workers in Shanghai, China was conducted among 180 incident pancreatic cancer cases and an age stratified randomly selected comparison subcohort (n = 3188). A complete occupational history of work in the textile industry was obtained for each woman, and was linked to a job exposure matrix developed for the textile industry to estimate exposures to specific dusts and chemicals. Cumulative exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin were reconstructed from historical and contemporaneous measurements.

RESULTS

After adjusting for smoking status, a trend of decreasing risk of pancreatic cancer was observed for increasing cumulative exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin with a lag of 20 years. The hazard ratios for women cumulatively exposed to >143.4 mg/m3 x years of cotton dust and >3530.6 EU/m3 x years of endotoxin were 0.6 (95% CI 0.3 to 0.9) and 0.5 (95% CI 0.3 to 0.9), respectively, compared to unexposed women. There was little evidence that exposures to other textile dusts and chemicals were associated with risk of pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational exposure to cotton dust and endotoxin in the textile industry may have reduced risks of pancreatic cancer in this cohort. These associations should be replicated by others before making a firm conclusion of their possible effects on pancreatic cancer.

Socioeconomic and Occupational Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer:

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the associations between socioeconomic/occupational factors and pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

The Swedish Family-Cancer Database was used to calculate standardized incidence ratios for different social classes and occupational groups. Lung cancer risks were also determined. The reference group was all the economically active population.

RESULTS

Farmers were at a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer. A slightly increased risk of pancreatic cancer, independent of lung cancer, was observed for male professionals and administrators and managers. For women, increased risks were observed for cooks and stewards, and glass, ceramic, and tile workers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that socioeconomic/occupational factors play a small role in the etiology of pancreatic cancer. In addition to smoking, physical inactivity and obesity may contribute to the observed differences.

Occupation and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Case???Control Study in Iowa

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.