Parental Occupation and Risk of Childhood Retinoblastoma in Denmark

Objective: Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor affecting children. We examine the role of parental occupational exposures and risk of retinoblastoma among offspring. Methods: Our population-based case-control study linked data from four nationwide Danish registries and included all cases of retinoblastoma diagnosed in Danish children (<5 y, n = 144) between 1975 and 2014. We focused on two biologically relevant time periods: 90 days preconception to conception for fathers; conception to birth for mothers. Parents were grouped into major industry headings created from Danish industry codes. Results: We observed increased risk of all retinoblastoma for children of fathers in the food and drink industry and iron and metal industry. Bilateral disease was associated with paternal work in manufacturing and land transportation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that some occupational exposures may increase the risk of childhood sporadic retinoblastoma.

Automated summary

The study suggests that parental occupational exposures in the food and drink industry, as well as the iron and metal industry, may increase the risk of retinoblastoma in offspring. Additionally, bilateral disease was associated with paternal work in manufacturing and land transportation industries.