The role of occupational exposures in the etiology of bladder cancer

In a case-control study in southern Israel, 150 male subjects with histologically proven transitional cell cancer (TCC) of the bladder were matched with 150 controls. Both groups were interviewed regarding past occupational exposures, lifestyle habits, and co-morbidities. Significant associations were demonstrated between certain occupational exposures and the risk to develop TCC. These exposures were (a) organic solvents (OR=3.5, 95% CI=1.4-8.4), (b) aromatic amines andor paints (OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.1-6.3) and (C) PAHs (OR=1.9, 95%CI=1.2-4.3). Similarly, significant associations were found between certain occupations (jobs) and the risk of future TCC, such as metal workers and welders. In conclusion, certain types of occupational exposures and industrial jobs bear extra risk for the future development of TCC (in addition to the well established risk of smoking). Thus, better identification and control of these occupational risk factors (chemicals and work processes) is required in order to reduce the risk for this relatively common cancer and improve protection for the relevant groups of workers.