Occupation as a risk factor for renal cell cancer: a nationwide, prospective epidemiological study

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Objective Using centralized registries in Iceland, the aim of this study was to prospectively investigate multiple risk factors for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including occupational history. Materials and methods From the Reykjavik study database, 18,840 men and women born in the period 1907–1935 were linked with a population-based registry containing all RCCs diagnosed in Iceland from 1971 to 2005 (n = 910). From this cross-reference, altogether 225 cases were identified. A prospective analysis of the risk factors for RCC was performed using Cox regression analysis, from the time of entry into the Reykjavik study to the diagnosis of RCC, death or end of follow-up, with a median follow-up time of 25 years. The hazard ratio (HR) was then calculated for multiple risk factors including occupational history. Results Male gender [HR 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–2.38], body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m² (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.06–1.88) and age (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.07) increased the risk of RCC, as did severe hypertension (>160/100 mmHg) (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.05–2.03) and history of kidney disease (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.11–2.16); however, smoking and type 2 diabetes were not significantly associated with the disease. The risk of RCC was significantly increased in painters (HR 2.97, 95% CI 1.31–6.74), aircraft mechanics (HR 4.51, 95% CI 1.11–18.28) and shipbuilders (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.06–3.84). Conclusions Together with male gender, advanced age, hypertension, BMI over 25 kg/m² and history of kidney disease, the risk of RCC was significantly increased in painters, aircraft mechanics and shipbuilders, suggesting a link to occupational exposure.