OCCUPATIONAL RISK-FACTORS FOR RENAL-CELL CARCINOMA IN DENMARK

OBJECTIVES - Risk factors for renal-cell carcinoma, the most frequent type of kidney cancer, remains enigmatic. Time trends in incidence and changes in the regional distribution of this cancer are suggestive of environmental risk factors. This study reports on occupational risk f actors for renal-cell carcinoma in Denmark. METHODS - In a population- based study, 365 persons with histologically verified renal-cell carci noma and 396 referents were interviewed. Information was collected on occupation, education, and occupational exposure to a number of suspec ted substances, including hydrocarbons, asbestos, and radiation. RESUL TS - Risk of renal-cell carcinoma was found to be associated with empl oyment as a truck driver, exposure to gasoline, other hydrocarbons, an d insecticides and herbicides. The risk of renal-cell carcinoma was hi gher in the lower socioeconomic strata for both the men and the women. Nonsignificantly elevated risks were observed for employment in oil r efineries, gasoline stations, and the iron and steel industry. No asso ciation was found for exposure to radiation or for employment in indus tries such as leather manufacturing and health care, which have previo usly been linked to an increased risk of renal-cell carcinoma. CONCLUS IONS - The risk of renal-cell carcinoma is increased in lower socioeco nomic strata, and previously identified or suspected risk factors do n ot explain the excess in risk. This study adds additional support to t he hypothesis of a link between renal-cell carcinoma and hydrocarbons and also demonstrates the need for further studies on occupational ris k factors for renal-cell carcinoma.