Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in industrialized
countries, a new study identifies 0ccupations linked to higher rates of breast
cancer.

The results of the study confirmed already known relationships, for example,
between increased risk of breast cancer and smoking history, and decreased risk
of breast cancer and a larger number of pregnancies.

The study also identified specific industries that are associated with higher
rates of breast cancer including:

• farming - 1.36 times higher risk; risk factors may include pesticide exposure


• bars-gambling (e.g. casinos, racetracks) - 2.28 times higher risk; risk factors may include exposure to second-hand smoke and shift-work


• automotive plastics manufacturing - 2.68 times higher risk; risk factors may include exposure to estrogenic chemicals (e.g. phthalates and bisphenol A)


• food canning - 2.35 times higher risk; risk factors may include exposure to pesticide residues and bisphenol A


• metalworking - 1.73 times higher risk; risk factors may include exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metalworking fluids

The breast cancer risk for pre-menopausal women was highest in automotive
plastics manufacturing (4.76 times) and food canning (5.70 times).

Further Information

AplusA-online.de - Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety