Ovarian Cancer Risk: Study Identifies Top 3 Occupations With Increased Workplace Exposure

A study in Occupational and Environmental Medicine indicates that individuals in certain professions may face a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Researchers propose that increased workplace exposure to substances may contribute. However, the study emphasizes that the findings have limitations and more research is necessary to thoroughly evaluate ovarian cancer risks.

(Photo : Unsplash/Adam Winger)
Ovarian Cancer Risk: Study Identifies Top 3 Occupations with Increased Workplace Exposure

Top 3 Jobs With Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer

To determine the top three jobs with the highest risk for ovarian cancer, the study utilized data from the PRevention of OVArian Cancer in Quebec (PROVAQ) study, which included women aged 18-79 diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer recruited between 2010 and 2016.

Researchers analyzed the employment history of 491 women with ovarian cancer and 897 without the disease, matched for age and district. Various data, including sociodemographic information, medical history, reproductive history, and employment history, were collected from all participants.

The study revealed that women with ovarian cancer had lower educational attainment, shorter oral contraceptive use, and fewer children compared to the other group. For each job held for at least 6 months, participants provided details such as job title, start and end dates, working hours, and main tasks. Cumulative employment duration in a job or industry was categorized as never, less than 10 years, or 10 or more years.

Using the Canadian job-exposure matrix (CANJEM), researchers calculated participants' exposure to workplace agents. After accounting for various factors, the analysis suggested that specific job roles were associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Working for 10 or more years as a hairdresser, barber, beautician, or in related roles was linked to a three-fold higher risk. Employment in accountancy for 10 or more years was associated with double the risk, and working in construction was associated with nearly triple the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The study found that long-term work in the clothing industry, including embroidery, was associated with an 85% higher risk of ovarian cancer. Working in sales or retail was linked to increased risks of 45% and 59%, respectively.

Additionally, exposure to 18 different agents for 8 or more years, including talcum powder, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and various chemicals, was associated with heightened risks of over 40%.

Among the jobs examined, hairdressers, beauticians, and related workers were the most frequently exposed to 13 agents, including ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, organic dyes, pigments, and bleaches. They were also the second most common occupation exposed to talcum powder, indicating a potentially higher risk of ovarian cancer in these professions.

Other Known Causes of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle and can resemble regular menstrual cycle discomfort. These symptoms include feeling full quickly, bloating, changes in bowel habits, and pelvic pain, which may be easily dismissed as common occurrences, according to Dr. Beth Karlan, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Medical Center.

Below are the other risk factors of ovarian cancer identified by Dr. Karlan:

Ovarian cancer is rare in women under 40 and is more common after menopause.
Gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk, often passed down in families.
Obesity may affect ovarian cancer risk and survival.
Delaying pregnancy until after 35 or never having a full-term pregnancy may increase risk.
A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer can raise the risk.
Using hormone replacement therapy after menopause can slightly increase risk.