Occupation and occupational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in male breast cancer: A case-control study in Europe

Sara Villeneuve, Diane Cyr, Elsebeth Lynge, Laurent Orsi, Svend Sabroe, Franco Merletti, Giuseppe Gorini, Maria Morales-Suarez-Varela, Wolfgang Ahrens, Cornelia Baumgardt-Elms, Linda Kaerlev, Mikael Eriksson, Lennart Hardell, Joëlle Févotte, Pascal Guénel*

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

    Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftArtikelForskningpeer review

    Abstract

    Objectives: Male breast cancer is a rare disease of largely unknown aetiology. In addition to genetic and hormone-related risk factors, a large number of environmental chemicals are suspected of playing a role in breast cancer. The identification of occupations or occupational exposures associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer in men may help to identify mammary carcinogens in the environment. Methods: Occupational risk factors for male breast cancer were investigated in a multi-centre case-control study conducted in eight European countries which included 104 cases and 1901 controls. Lifetime work history was obtained during in-person interviews. Occupational exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (alkylphenolic compounds, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins) were assessed on a case-by-case basis using expert judgement. Results: Male breast cancer incidence was particularly increased in motor vehicle mechanics (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.4) with a dose-effect relationship with duration of employment. It was also increased in paper makers and painters, forestry and logging workers, health and social workers, and furniture manufacture workers. The OR for exposure to alkylphenolic compounds above the median was 3.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 9.5). This association persisted after adjustment for occupational exposures to other environmental oestrogens. Conclusion: These findings suggest that some environmental chemicals are possible mammary carcinogens. Petrol, organic petroleum solvents or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are suspect because of the consistent elevated risk of male breast cancer observed in motor vehicle mechanics. Endocrine disruptors such as alkylphenolic compounds may play a role in breast cancer.

    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    Sider (fra-til)837-844
    Antal sider8
    TidsskriftOccupational and Environmental Medicine
    Vol/bind67
    Udgave nummer12
    DOI
    StatusUdgivet - 1 dec. 2010

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