Occupation and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Iowa.

Objective: Previous epidemiological studies have inconsistently linked various occupations and industries to pancreatic cancer risk. Methods: We analyzed data from a population-based case-control study conducted in Iowa involving 376 histologically confirmed incident pancreatic cancer cases and 2434 control subjects. Results: A significantly increased risk was observed among men who worked in the following industries: chemical and allied products, transportation, and elementary and secondary schools. Increased risks also were observed in men who were employed as truck drivers; railroad brake, signal, and switch operators; purchasing agents and buyers; teachers; insurance agents; and retail supervisors. Among women, a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer was found for employment in furniture and home furnishing stores, and a borderline significantly increased risk among textile sewing machine operators and tenders. Conclusions: Working in several occupations and industries was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in this study, and these associations warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]