Occupational risk factors for bladder carcinoma. A case control study

• Published in: Urologe. Ausgabe A Vol. 38; no. 4; p. 358
• Main Authors: Golka, K, Bandel, T, Reckwitz, T, Urfer, W, Bolt, H M, Bremicker, K D, Neugebauer, W, Schulze, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.07.1999
• Subjects: Aged; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell - chemically induced; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell - diagnosis; Cocarcinogenesis; Humans; Male; Occupational Diseases - chemically induced; Occupational Diseases - diagnosis; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Risk Factors; Smoking - adverse effects; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - chemically induced; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0340-2592

Aim of this case-control study, performed on 412 male bladder cancer cases and 414 controls with benign prostatic hyperplasia in a former area of coal, iron and steel industries in Germany, was to identify occupations with an increased bladder cancer risk. In bladder cancer cases, smokers were overrepresented (58.3%) compared to controls (35.2%). The percentage of patients who had stopped smoking for at least 10 years did not differ in cases (10.2%) and controls (9.7%). Significantly elevated smoking-adjusted bladder cancer odds ratios (MH) were observed in painters and lacquers (MH 2.24, 95% CI 1.07-5.13), chemistry-related occupations (MH 2.44, 95% CI 1.05-5.67), coke plant workers (MH 2.89, 95% CI 1.16-7.16) and hard coal miners (MH 2.33, 95% CI 1.52-3.58). Significantly decreased smoking-adjusted bladder cancer odds ratios (MH) were observed in businessmen (MH 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.92) and office personnel (MH 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.81). In these two groups a relevant exposure to occupational bladder carcinogens is not likely.