Occupation and pancreatic cancer in Spain: a case-control study based on job titles

Background Occupational exposures may increase the risk of exocrine pancrea tic cancer. This study aimed to identify occupations that in Spain may be a ssociated with such risk. Methods Incident cases of pancreatic cancer and hospital controls were pros pectively identified and interviewed during their hospital stay. Occupation al history was obtained by direct interview with the patient and was availa ble for 164 (89%) of 185 pancreatic cancer cases and for 238 (90%) of 264 c ontrols. Occupations were coded according to the Spanish version of the Int ernational Standard Classification of Occupations 1988. Results A significant increased odds ratio (OR) was observed in men for 'ph ysical, chemistry and engineering science technicians'. Elevated risks were also found for 'metal moulders, sheet-metal workers, structural metal work ers, welders and related workers','painters and varnishers' and 'machinery mechanics and fitters'. 'Agricultural workers' did not present an increased risk for pancreas cancer in men. In women, however, high OR were observed for 'agricultural workers' and for 'textile and garment workers'. Most asso ciations remained unchanged after considering long duration of the exposure and the period 5-15 years before diagnosis. Conclusions Few occupations were at increased risk for pancreatic cancer, a nd the associations observed are in accordance with previous studies. The i ncreases in risk observed for women in agricultural and textile jobs, and f or men in the manufacture of dyes and pigments may deserve further attentio n.