RISK-FACTORS FOR RENAL-CELL CARCINOMA IN DENMARK .3. ROLE OF WEIGHT, PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND REPRODUCTIVE FACTORS

A population-based case-control study of risk factors for renal-cell c arcinoma was conducted in Denmark from 1989 to 1992. A total of 368 hi stologically verified cases and 396 controls were included. Informatio n on weight, height, physical activity and reproductive factors were c ollected in a structured interview, along with information on other su spected risk factors. A significant increase in risk was seen for obes e women but not obese men. Although there was no clear gradient, the r isk was highest among women with a relative weight in the upper 5% (OR 6.1; 95% Cl, 2.3 to 16.1). The increased risk was most evident for hi gh relative weight in ages 30 to 50. No association was observed for h eight or physical activity. Use of amphetamines was associated with in creased risk but, because of the close link with obesity, we were unab le to provide evidence that amphetamines are an independent risk facto r. We found some evidence for an association with reproductive variabl es, including decreased risk for women with late menarche and first pr egnancy and birth. We observed no association with number of pregnanci es or age at menopause, or use of estrogen-containing medication. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.