Occupation and histopathology of lung cancer: A case‐control study in Rosario, Argentina

Abstract

Background Male age-adjusted lung cancer mortality rate is high in Rosario City, Argentina (62.7 per 100,000). Methods Case-control study involving interviews with 367 male lung cancer patients and 576 controls. Results The histological distribution detected was: squamous cell 39%, adenocarcinoma 34%, small cell carcinoma 13%, and other or no specified cell type 14%. When comparing with the group unlikely to be exposed to occupational carcinogens, a 60% increase in risk was observed for the remaining occupations (P < 0.008). Risks were high for drivers (OR=1.9, CI: 1.1–4.0), construction (OR=2.5, CI: 1.0–5.9), and agricultural workers also (OR=1.8, CI: 1.1–3.1). In regard to squamous cell carcinoma, increased risks were observed in the metal industry, particularly in welders (OR=2.9, CI: 1.0–10.1) and mechanics (OR=1.8, CI: 0.9–4.2). Smoking was not a substantial confounding effect. Conclusions Occupational exposures partly account for the high lung cancer mortality rate among male residents of Rosario City. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:437–443, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.