The Feasibility of Using a Population-Based Tumor Registry to Identify Occupational/Industrial Cohorts at Elevated Risks of Developing Cancer

摘要

Use of a population based tumor registry for identification of occupational cohorts at increased risks of cancer was evaluated. Each cohort of workers was matched to cancer cases from the Cancer Incidence System (CIS) master file maintained by the California Tumor Registry. The observed cases for each cohort and primary site were then compared to expected cases which were calculated from age, sex, and year specific incidence rates for the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area. The cohort selected from the CIS included 6424 members of unions for six occupational groups. The cohort was predominantly male; almost all females were members of the bakers local. The majority of the study cohort consisted either of members of painters' or plumbers' unions. The authors conclude that the use of a population based tumor registry for an occupational cancer surveillance study is technically feasible, cost efficient and effective in identifying occupational groups at unusual risk of cancer. They recommend that this method be used as a prelude to case control studies.