Assessment of the prevalence of potentially occupation-related lung cancers by the "case–control" study

Abstract

Introduction. Lung cancer is the most common type of occupational malignancies. A "case–control" study may allow an initial assessment of the impact of certain factors on the risk of developing malignant neoplasms.
 The study aims to conduct a "case–control" study by collecting data through a questionnaire and identifying a possible link between the incidence of lung malignancies and professional activity.
 Materials and methods. Researchers conducted a case-control study in the Rostov region. The authors carried out data collection by the questionnaire method.
 Results. Specialists received 363 questionnaires for persons from the "cases" group and 599 for persons from the control group. 
 The ratio of lung cancer detection risks in coal industry workers was higher compared to the population control (OR=1,229(0.891–1.696)), was lower compared to humanitarian workers (OR=0.983(0.645–1.500)). The risk ratio of lung cancer detection in smoking men was higher (OR=1.997; CI (0.792–5.036)). Workers who smoke more than one pack per day have a higher risk of lung cancer detection (OR=1,667(0.860–3.231)). Statistically significant risk ratio in the group of construction sector workers compared to humanitarian workers OR=2.275(1.244–4.159), as well as in the group of technical professions OR=0.606(0.404–0.909).
 Limitations. Insufficient research potential due to the high level of refusal of respondents, administrative and legal restrictions, little information and its inaccuracy.
 Conclusion. There was a tendency to increase the risk of lung cancer among coal industry workers compared to other professions, as well as a tendency to increase the risk of lung cancer among coal industry workers who smoke more than one pack per day (but without achieving statistically reliable indicators). Further epidemiological studies in this direction are needed based on the use of modern digital databases.
 Ethics. Protocol No. 4 of April 17, 2019 of the meeting of the Local Ethics Committee of the Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health.