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.
Zhang
Yawei
Y
Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. tongzhang.zheng@yale.edu
Cantor
Kenneth P
KP
Lynch
Charles F
CF
Zhu
Yong
Y
Zheng
Tongzhang
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa / Q000453:epidemiology; D007899:Leisure Activities; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D012042:Registries; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects