Occupation and risk of cancer of the renal pelvis in Nordic countries

Objectives To evaluate occupational variation in the incidence of the malignant neoplasm of the renal pelvis in the population of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Materials and Methods The study cohort comprised 14.9 million individuals. Data on occupational history were obtained from national censuses. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for each occupation. Results The highest SIRs were found in seamen (1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-1.82), printers (1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.71), welders (1.37, 95% CI 1.03-1.78), and public safety workers (1.35, 95% CI 1.12-1.62). The lowest SIRs were observed in forestry workers (0.47, 95% CI 0.35-0.62), gardeners (0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.83) and woodworkers (0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.91). Conclusions The study suggests that there is an association between profession and risk of malignancy of the renal pelvis. The possible associations between exposure to asbestos, heavy metals and welding fumes, and risk of developing the disease should be studied further.