High frequency of metalworkers among patients with seminomatous tumors of the testis: A case‐control study

Abstract

Occupational analyses were conducted between 1971 and 1978 comparing 165 cases of testicular cancer in the Hannover region of Germany with 187 controls without neoplastic diseases admitted to the Hannover University Medical School during the same period. The results showed a significantly higher risk of metal workers developing seminomas and mixed seminomatous tumors compared to the controls (odds ratio 2.05; 1.17-3.58). There was a lack of risk for the nonseminomatous tumors as a whole group, and cases with a history of metal work may have a decreased risk for embryonal carcinomas. No definite single noxious substance responsible for the development of testicular tumors could be detected. In view of the results in animal experiments, cadmium and zinc are especially considered in the discussion.

Case–control study of male germ cell tumors nested in a cohort of car‐manufacturing workers: Findings from the occupational history

“…But the small prevalence of this subgroup and the occupational groups within it could not explain the risk seen for ''machinery fitters, machinery assemblers & precision instrument makers.'' Testicular cancer has been associated with various occupations including metal workers, farmers, textile workers, police officers, fire-fighters, sales and service managers, but findings were inconsistent across studies [Pearce and Howard, 1986;Rhomberg et al, 1995;Pollán et al, 2001;Stang et al, 2003]. The previously observed association with employment as a metal worker is corroborated by our study.…”

“…Although many studies found positive associations between occupation and testicular cancer [Mills et al, 1984;Garland et al, 1988;Swerdlow and Skeet, 1988;Hayes et al, 1990;Marshall et al, 1990;Tarone et al, 1991;Van den Eeden et al, 1991;Davis and Mostofi, 1993;Rhomberg et al, 1995;Knight et al, 1996;Hardell et al, 1998;Fleming et al, 1999;Andersson et al, 2003;Walschaerts et al, 2007], no particular occupation has emerged as a clear risk factor [Garner et al, 2005]. Occupational exposure to several chemical agents including phthalates and pesticides were observed to be associated with testicular cancer and their endocrine disrupting potential was discussed as a possible mode of action [Ducatman et al, 1986;Levin et al, 1987;Haughey et al, 1989;Kristensen et al, 1996;Hardell et al, 1998;Fleming et al, 1999;IARC, 1999].…”

“…Workers in automobile production who previously showed elevated risks for testicular cancer are, for example, skilled workers exposed to metals, metal dust, and possibly cutting oil [Van den Eeden et al, 1991;Rhomberg et al, 1995;Pollán et al, 2001;Walschaerts et al, 2007], and motor vehicle mechanics [Pearce et al, 1987]. Other occupational groups which appeared to have elevated risks are white collar workers [Pearce et al, 1987;Van den Eeden et al, 1991], professional employees (administrators, teachers, and other professionals) [Hayes et al, 1990], workers in the electrical power industry [Knight et al, 1996] and service workers [Pearce et al, 1987;Knight et al, 1996].…”

Study of cancer incidence among 8530 male workers in eight Norwegian plants producing ferrosilicon and silicon metal.

“…[26][27][28] Exposure to electromagnetic fields has also been associated with development of testicular cancer, in particular with non-seminoma, 29 whereas excess seminomas have been found among metal workers. 30 Only one of the nine furnace workers with testicular cancer had died of the disease (during 1962-1990). Thus, in cancer mortality studies in other industrial groups an increased incidence of testicular cancers may have passed unnoticed.…”

Epidemiology of testicular cancer: An overview

“…Although many studies have found positive associations between occupation and testicular cancer, 6,[90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104] no occupation has emerged as a clear risk factor for this lesion. Occupational exposures to several chemical substances have also been associated with testicular cancer.…”