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Shi DS, Rinsky JL, Grimes GR, Chiu SK. Health Hazard Evaluations of occupational cancer cluster concerns: the USA, January 2001-December 2020. Occup Environ Med 2024; 81:109-112. [PMID: 37932036 PMCID: PMC10897873 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-108988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe recent investigations of potential workplace cancer clusters. METHODS We identified Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) of cancer concerns during 2001-2020. We described information about industry, requestors, cancer characteristics, investigative procedures, and determinations about the presence of a cluster (ie, presence of excess cases, unusual case distribution or exposure). RESULTS Of 5754 HHEs, 174 included cancer concerns, comprising 1%-5% of HHEs per year. In 123 HHEs, the cancer cluster concerns involved different cancer primary sites. Investigation procedures varied but included record review (n=63, 36%) and site visits (n=22, 13%). Of 158 HHEs with a cluster determination by investigator(s), 151 (96%) were not considered cancer clusters. In seven HHEs, investigators found evidence of a cluster, but occupational exposure to a carcinogen was not identified. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of HHEs on workplace cancer cluster concerns remained steady over time; most did not meet the definition of a cluster or uncover an occupational cause. Public health practitioners can use this information to provide updated context when addressing workplace cancer cluster concerns and as motivation to refine investigative approaches. More broadly, this review highlights an opportunity to identify best practices on how to apply community cluster investigation methods to the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallas S Shi
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica L Rinsky
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - George R Grimes
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sophia K Chiu
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Mwelange LP, Mamuya SHD, Mwaiselage J, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. Esophageal and Head and Neck Cancer Patients Attending Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania from 2019 to 2021: An Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3305. [PMID: 36833998 PMCID: PMC9962976 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer in Africa is an emerging public health problem that needs urgent preventive measures, particularly in workplaces where exposure to carcinogens may occur. In Tanzania, the incidence rate of cancer and mortality rates due to cancers are increasing, with approximately 50,000 new cases each year. This is estimated to double by 2030. METHODS Our hospital-based cross-sectional study describes the characteristics of newly diagnosed patients with head and neck or esophageal cancer from the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Tanzania. We used an ORCI electronic system to extract secondary data for these patients. RESULTS According to the cancer registration, there were 611 head and neck and 975 esophageal cancers recorded in 2019-2021. Two-thirds of these cancer patients were male. About 25% of the cancer patients used tobacco and alcohol, and over 50% were involved in agriculture. CONCLUSION Descriptions of 1586 head and neck cancer patients and esophageal cancer patients enrolled in a cancer hospital in Tanzania are given. The information may be important for designing future studies of these cancers and may be of value in the development of cancer prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luco P. Mwelange
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Simon H. D. Mamuya
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E. Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Hosseini B, Hall AL, Zendehdel K, Kromhout H, Onyije FM, Moradzadeh R, Zamanian M, Schüz J, Olsson A. Occupational Exposure to Carcinogens and Occupational Epidemiological Cancer Studies in Iran: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3581. [PMID: 34298794 PMCID: PMC8305339 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The extent of exposure to occupational carcinogens is not well characterized in Iran, and little is known about the burden of occupational cancer. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe exposure to occupational carcinogens and occupational epidemiology studies in Iran. METHODS Relevant studies up to January 2021 in Iran were identified through three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). RESULTS Forty-nine publications from 2009 to 2020 (one cohort, 11 case-control, 34 exposure monitoring studies, and three cancer burden studies) were included. The exposure monitoring studies were conducted mainly in the petroleum industry, metal industry, manufacturing of electronics, manufacturing of plastics, construction industry, and service industry. A few of the case-control studies also reported increased risk of cancers in relation to work in those industries. CONCLUSIONS Occupational cancer epidemiology in Iran is at an early stage. Both epidemiological and exposure monitoring studies are generally limited in size to provide robust evidence of occupational cancer risks. A coherent strategy to estimate the occupational cancer burden in Iran should start with conducting epidemiological studies along with systematic monitoring of occupational carcinogens for use in hazard control and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayan Hosseini
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (B.H.); (F.M.O.); (J.S.)
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733141, Iran;
| | - Amy L. Hall
- Government of Canada, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1N3, Canada;
| | - Kazem Zendehdel
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733141, Iran;
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Felix M. Onyije
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (B.H.); (F.M.O.); (J.S.)
| | - Rahmatollah Moradzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak 3819693345, Iran; (R.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Maryam Zamanian
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak 3819693345, Iran; (R.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (B.H.); (F.M.O.); (J.S.)
| | - Ann Olsson
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (B.H.); (F.M.O.); (J.S.)
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Mueller S, Dennison G, Liu S. An Assessment on Ethanol-Blended Gasoline/Diesel Fuels on Cancer Risk and Mortality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6930. [PMID: 34203568 PMCID: PMC8297295 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although cancer is traditionally considered a genetic disease, the epigenetic abnormalities, including DNA hypermethylation, histone deacetylation, and/or microRNA dysregulation, have been demonstrated as a hallmark of cancer. Compared with gene mutations, aberrant epigenetic changes occur more frequently, and cellular epigenome is more susceptible to change by environmental factors. Excess cancer risks are positively associated with exposure to occupational and environmental chemical carcinogens, including those from gasoline combustion exhausted in vehicles. Of note, previous studies proposed particulate matter index (PMI) as a measure for gasoline sooting tendency, and showed that, compared with the other molecules in gasoline, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 2-methylnaphthalene and toluene significantly contribute to PMI of the gasoline blends. Mechanistically, both epigenome and genome are important in carcinogenicity, and the genotoxicity of chemical agents has been thoroughly studied. However, less effort has been put into studying the epigenotoxicity. Moreover, as the blending of ethanol into gasoline substitutes for carcinogens, like benzene, toluene, xylene, butadiene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc., a reduction of secondary aromatics has been achieved in the atmosphere. This may lead to diminished cancer initiation and progression through altered cellular epigenetic landscape. The present review summarizes the most important findings in the literature on the association between exposures to carcinogens from gasoline combustion, cancer epigenetics and the potential epigenetic impacts of biofuels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Mueller
- Energy Resources Center, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | - Gail Dennison
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA;
| | - Shujun Liu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA;
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Guimarães RM, Muzi CD, Meira KC, Dos Santos RD, Saraiva MM, Rohlfs DB. Occupational exposure to carcinogens in Brazil: An approach. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2021; 76:414-423. [PMID: 33750273 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1900044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to estimate the prevalence of the primary occupational exposures, considered risk factors for Cancer in Brazil. We elaborated two exposure scenarios considering the agents' classification and the intensity of exposure, stratified by Brazilian regions and sex. Two pairs of specialists performed the classification of economic activities and occupations due to exposure. There was an excellent overall agreement (94%) and acceptable overall reliability (kappa 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95). There is a notable difference (595%) in occupational exposure between the north (with a higher concentration of rural areas and extractivism) and southeast (with a higher level of industrial activities). There is a difference in prevalence from 833% for solvents to 1170% for inorganic dust between the two scenarios. There is a heterogeneity of exposures according to location, sex, circumstance, and sensitiveness of classification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila Drumond Muzi
- Brazilian National Institute of Cancer, Ministry of Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Magda Machado Saraiva
- Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Ministry of Health, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Daniela Buosi Rohlfs
- Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Ministry of Health, Brasilia, Brazil
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Ledda C. Epidemiological Research on Occupational and Environmental Carcinogens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052215. [PMID: 33668145 PMCID: PMC7956703 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The cancer risk associated with exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens such as asbestos, benzene, radiation, or lifestyle carcinogens such as cigarette smoking depends on the entire history of exposure to the carcinogen, including the age of exposure and the time-varying intensity of exposure [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
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Peters CE, Villeneuve PJ, Parent MÉ. Occupation as a predictor of prostate cancer screening behaviour in Canada. J Med Screen 2020; 27:215-222. [PMID: 32000565 DOI: 10.1177/0969141320902485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES If prostate cancer screening practices relate to occupation, this would have important implications when studying the aetiological role of workplace exposures on prostate cancer. We identified variations in screening by occupation among men in Montreal, Canada (2005-2012). METHODS Prostate specific antigen testing and digital rectal examination (ever-screened and frequency of screening, previous five years) were examined among population controls from the Prostate Cancer & Environment Study. Face-to-face interviews elicited lifestyle and occupational histories. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of ever-screening for the longest-held occupation, adjusting for potential confounders. Negative binomial models were used to examine relationships with screening frequency. RESULTS Among 1989 controls, 81% reported ever having had a prostate specific antigen test, and 77% a digital rectal examination. Approximately 40% of men reported having a prostate specific antigen test once a year, on average. Compared with those in management or administrative jobs, men in primary industry (odds ratio 0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.10-0.65), construction (0.44, 0.25-0.79), machining (0.45, 0.21-0.97), and teaching (0.37, 0.20-0.70) were less likely to have undergone prostate specific antigen screening. Results were similar when considering the most recent job. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight substantial variations in prostate cancer screening by occupation. Men in occupations where carcinogen exposures are more common are less likely to participate in prostate screening activities. This could be an important source of bias, and occupational studies of prostate cancer should account for screening practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl E Peters
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.,Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Université du Québec, Laval, Canada.,Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| | - Paul J Villeneuve
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Marie-Élise Parent
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Université du Québec, Laval, Canada
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Pandey SK, Sharma V. Doctor, heal thyself: Addressing the shorter life expectancy of doctors in India. Indian J Ophthalmol 2019; 67:1248-1250. [PMID: 31238485 PMCID: PMC6611328 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_656_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Suresh K Pandey
- SuVi Eye Institute and Lasik Laser Center, Kota, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vidushi Sharma
- SuVi Eye Institute and Lasik Laser Center, Kota, Rajasthan, India
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Engel CL, Rasanayagam MS, Gray JM, Rizzo J. Work and Breast Cancer: Recommendations to Address Research Needs. New Solut 2019; 28:79-95. [PMID: 29658426 DOI: 10.1177/1048291118758713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A review of case-control, cohort, and meta-analytic studies on breast cancer, occupation, and work-related exposures from 2002 to 2017 revealed significant methodological limitations in the current literature. As part of our review, we tabulated the demographic and life history data, breast cancer risk factors, occupational history, and exposure estimates collected and analyzed in each study. Opportunities exist for future research to explore occupation and breast cancer more rigorously and with greater nuance by gathering specific data on age at diagnosis, menopausal status, tumor characteristics, demographics, breast cancer risk factors, and occupational histories, work roles and settings, and exposures. Inclusion of workers in the planning and implementation of research on their occupational risks and exposures is one effective way to refine research questions and ensure research is relevant to workers' needs and concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie L Engel
- 1 Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Janet M Gray
- 1 Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, San Francisco, CA, USA.,2 Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA
| | - Jeanne Rizzo
- 1 Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Salemi R, Marconi A, Di Salvatore V, Franco S, Rapisarda V, Libra M. Epigenetic alterations and occupational exposure to benzene, fibers, and heavy metals associated with tumor development. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3366-3371. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Falzone L, Marconi A, Loreto C, Franco S, Spandidos DA, Libra M. Occupational exposure to carcinogens: Benzene, pesticides and fibers (Review). Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4467-4474. [PMID: 27748850 PMCID: PMC5101963 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that the occupational exposure to contaminants and carcinogens leads to the development of cancer in exposed workers. In the 18th century, Percivall Pott was the first to hypothesize that chronic exposure to dust in the London chimney sweeps was associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Subsequently a growing body of evidence indicated that other physical factors were also responsible for oncogenic mutations. Over the past decades, many carcinogens have been found in the occupational environment and their presence is often associated with an increased incidence of cancer. Occupational exposure involves several factors and the association between carcinogens, occupational exposure and cancer is still unclear. Only a fraction of factors is recognized as occupational carcinogens and for each factor, there is an increased risk of cancer development associated with a specific work activity. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the majority of carcinogens are classified as 'probable' and 'possible' human carcinogens, while, direct evidence of carcinogenicity is provided in epidemiological and experimental studies. In the present review, exposures to benzene, pesticides and mineral fibers are discussed as the most important cancer risk factors during work activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falzone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of General and Clinical Pathology and Oncology, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Marconi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Franco
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technology Sciences ‘G.F. Ingrassia’, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of General and Clinical Pathology and Oncology, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
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Rosenthal M, Johnson CJ, Scoppa S, Carter K. Two Suspected Worksite or Occupational Cancer Clusters Investigated Using the Cancer Data Registry and Multiple Primary Standardized Incidence Ratios in SEER *Stat-Idaho, 2013-2014. JOURNAL OF REGISTRY MANAGEMENT 2016; 41:128-133. [PMID: 28121313 PMCID: PMC7147979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations of suspected cancer clusters are resource intensive and rarely identify true clusters: among 428 publicly reported US investigations during 1990-2011, only 1 etiologic cluster was identified. In 2013, the Cancer Data Registry of Idaho (CDRI) was contacted regarding a suspected cancer cluster at a worksite (Cluster A) and among an occupational cohort (Cluster B). We investigated to determine whether these were true clusters. METHODS We derived investigation cohorts for Cluster A from facility-provided employee records and for Cluster B from professional licensing records. We used Registry PlusTM Link Plus to conduct probabilistic linkage of cohort members to the CDRI registry and completed matching through manual review by using LexisNexis®, Accurint®, and the Social Security Death Index. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) using the MP-SIR session type in SEER*Stat and Idaho and US referent populations. RESULTS For Cluster A, we identified 34 cancer cases during 9,689 person-years; compared with Idaho and US rates, 95 percent CIs for SIRs included 1.0 for 24 of 24 primary site categories. For Cluster B, we identified 78 cancer cases during 15,154 person-years; compared with Idaho rates, 95 percent CI for SIRs included 1.0 for 23 of 24 primary site categories and was less than 1.0 for lung and bronchus cancers, and compared with US rates, 95 percent CI for SIRs included 1.0 for 22 of 24 primary site categories and was less than 1.0 for lung and bronchus and colorectal cancers. CONCLUSION We identified no statistically significant excess in cancer incidence in either cohort. SEER*Stat's MP-SIR is an efficient tool for performing SIR assessments, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists-recommended step when investigating suspected cancer clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rosenthal
- Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer assigned to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Steve Scoppa
- Information Management Services Inc, Calverton, Maryland
| | - Kris Carter
- Career Epidemiology Field Officer assigned to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Blair A, Hines C, Thomas K, Alavanja M, Beane Freeman L, Hoppin J, Kamel F, Lynch C, Lubin J, Silverman D, Whelan E, Zahm SH, Sandler DP. Investing in prospective cohorts for etiologic study of occupational exposures. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:113-22. [PMID: 25603935 PMCID: PMC4516175 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prospective cohorts have played a major role in understanding the contribution of diet, physical activity, medical conditions, and genes to the development of many diseases, but have not been widely used for occupational exposures. Studies in agriculture are an exception. We draw upon our experience using this design to study agricultural workers to identify conditions that might foster use of prospective cohorts to study other occupational settings. Prospective cohort studies are perceived by many as the strongest epidemiologic design. It allows updating of information on exposure and other factors, collection of biologic samples before disease diagnosis for biomarker studies, assessment of effect modification by genes, lifestyle, and other occupational exposures, and evaluation of a wide range of health outcomes. Increased use of prospective cohorts would be beneficial in identifying hazardous exposures in the workplace. Occupational epidemiologists should seek opportunities to initiate prospective cohorts to investigate high priority, occupational exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Blair
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - C.J. Hines
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - K.W. Thomas
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina
| | - M.C.R. Alavanja
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - L.E. Beane Freeman
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - J.A. Hoppin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - F. Kamel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, North Carolina
| | - C.F. Lynch
- College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - J.H. Lubin
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - D.T. Silverman
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - E. Whelan
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - S. H. Zahm
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - D. P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, North Carolina
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Raj P, Hohenadel K, Demers PA, Zahm SH, Blair A. Recent trends in published occupational cancer epidemiology research: results from a comprehensive review of the literature. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:259-64. [PMID: 24488816 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess trends in occupational cancer epidemiology research through a literature review of occupational health and epidemiology journals. METHODS Fifteen journals were reviewed from 1991 to 2009, and characteristics of articles that assessed the risk of cancer associated with an occupation, industry, or occupational exposure, were incorporated into a database. RESULTS The number of occupational cancer epidemiology articles published annually declined in recent years (2003 onwards) in the journals reviewed. The number of articles presenting dose-response analyses increased over the review period, from 29% in the first 4 years of review to 49% in the last 4 years. CONCLUSION There has been a decrease in the number of occupational cancer epidemiology articles published annually during the review period. The results of these articles help determine the carcinogenicity of workplace exposures and permissible exposure limits, both of which may be hindered with a decline in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Raj
- Occupational Cancer Research CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Paul A. Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
- Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Shelia Hoar Zahm
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and GeneticsNational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMaryland
| | - Aaron Blair
- Occupational Cancer Research CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
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Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS, Ramasamy J. Occupational cancer: public health interventions to minimize its burden and impact on the society. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF CANCER PREVENTION 2014; 7:111-3. [PMID: 25250160 PMCID: PMC4142941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh R Shrivastava
- : Dept. of Community Medicine, ShriSathyaSai, Medical College and Research Institute, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India,Corresponding Author: Dr. Saurabh Ram Bihari Lal
Shrivastava, MD; Assistant Professor of Community Medicine
Tel: (+91) 98 84 22 72 24
| | - Prateek S Shrivastava
- : Dept. of Community Medicine, ShriSathyaSai, Medical College and Research Institute, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jegadeesh Ramasamy
- : Dept. of Community Medicine, ShriSathyaSai, Medical College and Research Institute, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India
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Carey RN, Driscoll TR, Peters S, Glass DC, Reid A, Benke G, Fritschi L. Estimated prevalence of exposure to occupational carcinogens in Australia (2011–2012). Occup Environ Med 2013; 71:55-62. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Uccello M, Malaguarnera G, Corriere T, Biondi A, Basile F, Malaguarnera M. Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in workers exposed to chemicals. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2012; 12:e5943. [PMID: 23162599 PMCID: PMC3496877 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.5943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Studies on experimental animals have shown liver is a common target of chemical carcinogens; this might suggest that occupational exposure to chemicals is another risk factor for HCC. However, the relationship between occupation and liver cancer has not been extensively studied, with the exception of the known association between vinyl chloride and angiosarcoma of the liver. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A MEDLINE and conventional search of the past 50 years of the medical literature was performed to identify relevant articles on incidence and mechanisms of HCC due to occupational exposure to chemicals. Several important edited books and monographs were also identified and reviewed. RESULTS While laboratory data clearly indicate that the liver is an important target of chemical carcinogenesis, epidemiological studies provide very limited evidence on occupational risk factors for HCC. Nevertheless, we found some case reports and epidemiological data showing a moderately increased risk of HCC development in people exposed to vinyl chloride, organic solvents, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and arsenic. CONCLUSIONS Occupational exposure to chemicals may be another risk factor for HCC development, but the interpretation of currently available findings is limited by the small number of studies, questionable accuracy of the diagnosis of liver cancer, and potential confounding or modifying factors such as chronic hepatitis virus infection and alcohol consumption. Further relevant investigations are required for clarifying the actual contribution of occupational exposure to chemicals in HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Uccello
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Malaguarnera
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Thea Corriere
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Biondi
- Department of General Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Basile
- Department of General Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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