Occupation and Skin Cancer: HELIOS-I Study Results
Author Information
Author(s): Berta Suárez, Gonzalo López-Abente, Carmen Martínez, Carmen Navarro, Maria José Tormo, Stefano Rosso, Simon Schraub, Lorenzo Gafà, Hélène Sancho-Garnier, Janine Wechsler, Roberto Zanetti
Primary Institution: Carlos III Institute of Health
Hypothesis
What is the role of occupational exposures in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)?
Conclusion
Certain occupations, such as miners and secondary education teachers, have a higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, likely due to exposure to hazardous substances.
Supporting Evidence
- Miners and quarrymen showed an OR of 7.04 for NMSC.
- Secondary education teachers had an OR of 1.75 for NMSC.
- Masons had an OR of 1.54 for NMSC.
- Railway engine drivers and firemen had a higher frequency of basal cell carcinoma.
- Construction workers had an OR of 2.95 for squamous cell carcinoma.
Takeaway
Some jobs can make people more likely to get skin cancer, especially if they work around harmful things.
Methodology
The study analyzed 1585 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 1507 controls using logistic regression mixed models.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from different population bases of the control sample.
Limitations
The study may have under-registered cases due to the nature of non-melanoma skin cancer not requiring hospital admission.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 60.5 years for cases and 58.2 years for controls; 63% of cases and 62% of controls were men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.05–2.89
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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