Occupation and thyroid cancer risk in Sweden

J Occup Environ Med. 2005 Sep;47(9):948-57. doi: 10.1097/01.jom.0000169564.21523.5d.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify occupations and industries with increased incidence of thyroid cancer in Swedish workers.

Method: Standardized incidence ratios were computed for each job and industry for the period 1971-1989 through record-linkage with the Swedish National Cancer and Death Registers. Age-, period-, geographically adjusted relative risks were calculated using Poisson models.

Results: Increased risks were found for teachers, construction carpenters, policemen, and prison/reformatory officials in men, and medical technicians, shop managers, tailors, and shoecutters among women. Industries with risk excess are manufacture of agricultural machinery, manufacture of computing/accessories, and public administration/police among men; and manufacture of prefabricated wooden buildings, electric installation work, and wholesale of live animals/fertilizers/oilseed/grain among women.

Conclusions: Our results corroborate some previously reported increased risks. Further research is needed to assess the influence of specific chemical agents related with some of the highlighted work environments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Industry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupations*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Sweden / epidemiology
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / etiology*