Bladder cancer and occupation: a report from the Belgian case-control study on bladder cancer risk.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to add to the data on associations between occupation and bladder cancer thereby strengthening the case for focused research on specific occupational categories.


METHODS
Two hundred two cases and 390 controls participated in this population-based case-control study. Age, sex, smoking, and education adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for each occupation by unconditional logistic regression.


RESULTS
The occupational group of domestic helpers, cleaners, and launderers exhibited a significantly elevated risk of bladder cancer. Elevated non-significant risks (OR > 1.5) were observed for painters and varnishers, electronic equipment assemblers, general laborers, building finishers, carpenters and joiners, architects and engineers, and textile and garment workers.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that domestic helpers, cleaners, and launderers probably experience an increased risk of bladder cancer. Although no other occupations showed significantly increased risks, the non-significantly elevated risks for painters, carpenters, and textile workers could be confirmed by results from earlier studies.
Reulen
Raoul C
RC
Faculty of Health Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Kellen
Eliane
E
Buntinx
Frank
F
Zeegers
Maurice P
MP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001530:Belgium; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015984:Causality; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology