Occupational exposures and the risk of ovarian cancer in Sweden

Background Studies of occupational exposures and ovarian cancer, often limited by few subjects or proportionate mortality data, have yielded inconsistent results. Methods Swedish women employed in 1960, 1970, or during both years were followed from 1971 to 1989 using census data linked to nationwide cancer and death registries. A total of 9,591 ovarian cancer cases were identified among 1,670,517 women. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk of ovarian cancer in specific occupational groups and in women exposed to particular occupational exposures defined by job exposure matrices. We lacked data on reproductive factors. Results Jobs associated with elevated ovarian cancer rates in this and previous studies include dry cleaning, telegraph and telephone work, paper packaging, and graphic and printing work. In contrast to results of some previous studies, we found that hairdressers and beauticians were not at increased risk of ovarian cancer. Organic dusts, aromatic amines, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons are suggested as specific etiologic agents. Conclusions In this large study, we have confirmed some results from smaller studies and identified some new relationships that need to be confirmed elsewhere. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.(dagger)