Occupational factors and development of bladder cancer in Lecco (North-West Italy). Preliminary results

Abstract

— To examine whether occupational factors can be related to the development of bladder cancer, we investigated the occupational histories of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma, living in the province of Lecco (North-West Italy) and compared the distribution of their occupations and that of all residents in the same area. A standardized questionnaire (covering family, medical, occupational and residential history, socioeconomics factors and various dietary factors) constituted the study instrument. 358 subjects, of whom 48 at first diagnosis were studied. Tobacco smoking, employment in the transport and communications and in the services sectors were found as possible factors of increased risk in developing bladder cancer. To obtain more definite information a hospital-based case-control study on bladder cancer incidence will be conducted.