Believe 51--this one is for you

[Lani]

Occup Environ Med. 2010 Aug 25. [Epub ahead of print]
Occupation and occupational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in male breast cancer: a case-control study in Europe.
Villeneuve S, Cyr D, Lynge E, Orsi L, Sabroe S, Merletti F, Gorini G, Morales-Suarez-Varela M, Ahrens W, Baumgardt-Elms C, Kaerlev L, Eriksson M, Hardell L, Févotte J, Guénel P.

CESP - INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research), Villejuif, France.
Abstract
Objectives Male breast cancer is a rare disease of largely unknown aetiology. In addition to genetic and hormone-related risk factors, a large number of environmental chemicals are suspected of playing a role in breast cancer. The identification of occupations or occupational exposures associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer in men may help to identify mammary carcinogens in the environment. Methods Occupational risk factors for male breast cancer were investigated in a multi-centre case-control study conducted in eight European countries which included 104 cases and 1901 controls. Lifetime work history was obtained during in-person interviews. Occupational exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (alkylphenolic compounds, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins) were assessed on a case-by-case basis using expert judgement. Results Male breast cancer incidence was particularly increased in motor vehicle mechanics (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.4) with a dose-effect relationship with duration of employment. It was also increased in paper makers and painters, forestry and logging workers, health and social workers, and furniture manufacture workers. The OR for exposure to alkylphenolic compounds above the median was 3.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 9.5). This association persisted after adjustment for occupational exposures to other environmental oestrogens. Conclusion These findings suggest that some environmental chemicals are possible mammary carcinogens. Petrol, organic petroleum solvents or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are suspect because of the consistent elevated risk of male breast cancer observed in motor vehicle mechanics. Endocrine disruptors such as alkylphenolic compounds may play a role in breast cancer.

PMID: 20798010

[Lien]

Interesting. How would that relate to women? Would women working at gas stations, paint shops, chemical plants, furniture shops etc. as well as health and social workers have an elevated risk?

Jacqueline

[ElaineM]

Good point now that we women are everywhere and often do jobs that were traditionally assigned to men where we are in the same environments and use the same equipment as men.
I think there needs to be more research on environment and disease. Has anyone heard of cancer clusters? Those are areas where a significant number of people in the community have been diagnosed with the same kind of cancer. Scientists, doctors and researchers believe there is something in the air, soil, or other areas of the environment that contributes to cancer.

[Believe51]

Thanks Lani, I am following you Santa....;0)

Believe51

[karen z]

Thanks for posting (as usual)!
karen z