Author:
Peñalver-Piñol Arnau,Benavente Yolanda,Frias-Gomez Jon,Alguacil Juan,Santibañez Miguel,Contreras-Llanes Manuel,Peremiquel-Trillas Paula,López-Querol Marta,Paytubi Sonia,Pelegrina Beatriz,Onieva Irene,Martínez José Manuel,Fernandez-Gonzalez Sergi,Francisco Javier de,Caño Víctor,Brunet Joan,Pineda Marta,Ponce Jordi,Matias-Guiu Xavier,Bosch Francesc Xavier,Sanjosé Silvia de,Alemany Laia,Costas Laura
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological tumour in developed countries and disease burden is expected to increase over the years. Identifying modifiable risk factors may help developing strategies to reduce the expected increasing incidence of these neoplasms.
Objective
This study evaluates the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and endometrial cancer using data from a recent case-control study in Spain.
Methods
The analyses included data from 174 consecutive incident endometrial cancer cases and 216 hospital controls frequency-matched by age. Data were collected through structured epidemiological questionnaires and exposure to pesticides was assessed using a Spanish job-exposure matrix (MatEmESp).
Results
Overall, 12% of controls and 18% of cases were occupationally exposed to pesticides. We observed a positive association between occupational exposure to pesticides and endometrial cancer (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.13–3.88 compared to non-exposed). In general, exposures that occurred farther in the past were significantly associated with endometrial cancer. Exposure to insecticides, fungicides and herbicides were positively associated with endometrial cancer (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.13–3.88, OR = 4.40; 95% CI = 1.65–13.33, and OR = 5.25; 95% CI = 1.84–17.67, respectively). The agricultural, poultry and livestock activities scenario was associated with endometrial cancer (OR = 4.16; 95% CI = 1.59–12.32), while the cleaning exposure scenario was not (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.55–2.67).
Conclusions
Assessment of occupational exposure to pesticides assessed using a Spanish job-exposure matrix revealed a positive association with endometrial cancer. The elucidation of the role of pesticide compounds on endometrial cancer should shed a light on the aetiology of this tumour.
Funder
CIBER-ESP
Generalitat de Catalunya
Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer
Fundación Científica Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health