Prostate cancer in pesticide applicators in Swedish agriculture.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The use of chemicals in agriculture has been associated with elevated risks of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze prostate cancer risk in a cohort of 20,025 pesticide applicators in agriculture licensed between 1965-1976.

METHODS:

The cohort was followed up in the Swedish Cancer Register from date of licence until death of December 31, 1991. The mean follow-up time was 21.3 years.

RESULTS:

We found a statistically significant increased risk of prostate cancer with 401 cases observed compared to 355 expected, with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.24). There were 7 cases among those born in 1935 or later, and the SIR was 2.03 (0.82-4.19). For those born earlier than 1935 the SIR was 1.12 (1.01-1.24).

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings of a statistically significant increased risk of prostate cancer, together with recent results from other studies, imply a relationship between agrochemicals or other risk factors in the environment of farmers and prostate cancer.

• Authors: J Dich, K Wiklund
• Journal: The Prostate (Prostate) Vol. 34 Issue 2 Pg. 100-12 (Feb 01 1998) ISSN: 0270-4137 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9465941 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Pesticides

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Agricultural Workers' Diseases (chemically induced, epidemiology, mortality)
• Cohort Studies
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pesticides (adverse effects)
• Prostatic Neoplasms (chemically induced, epidemiology, mortality)
• Risk Factors
• Sweden (epidemiology)
• Time Factors