Is pesticide use related to the risk of primary lung cancer in Saskatchewan?

Article Abstract:

Exposure of industrial workers to pesticides has been linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Farmers use a wide variety of pesticides and other chemicals, which they often mix and apply without wearing protective gear, such as masks and gloves. In this study, farmers in Saskatchewan, Canada were studied to determine if exposure to specific pesticides was associated with lung cancer risk; cigarette smoking was considered as well. The case subjects were 273 men recently diagnosed with primary lung cancer. A group of 187 male controls without cancer was also included; they were matched to the cases by age and lived in the same geographic region. No correlation was found between exposure to any specific pesticide or class of pesticides and lung cancer risk. In fact, significantly more control subjects than cancer patients reported having spilled chemicals on their clothes or hands (47 percent versus 28 percent). While 54 percent of controls had accidentally inhaled a chemical, significantly fewer lung cancer patients (33 percent) had done so. More control subjects (54 percent) were farmers than cancer patients (41 percent). Adjustment of these data for smoking history and amount of pesticide use did not alter the findings. The authors note that the way in which farmers are exposed to pesticides differs from the way industrial workers are exposed; farmers use each chemical infrequently throughout the year, and by using them outdoors they limit the potential for absorption by the body. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Canada, Risk factors, Lung cancer, Pesticides, Farmers

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Relevance of epidemiology to policies for the prevention of cancer

Article Abstract:

Epidemiological research is needed in observing cancer for several reasons: to detect unsuspected causes, to identify risk factors in the environment and to maintain a sense of perspective. Epidemiology can contribute to the prevention of cancers.

Medical laboratories, Physiological aspects, Demographic aspects, Hazardous substances, Cancer, Sweeteners, Hair care preparations, Epidemiological research, Cross sectional studies, Cadmium, Hair preparations

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