2023-07-17 17:00:00
Age, genetic predisposition, prolonged exposure to estrogen and hormone treatment for menopause, smoking or exposure to asbestos are among the known risk factors for ovarian cancer.
A recent study published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine also makes the link between this type of cancer and the work environment, particularly in hairdressing and aesthetics.
Talc, ammoniac, colorants…
The researchers analyzed the career paths, lifestyles and backgrounds of 491 women aged 18 to 79 with ovarian cancer.
All were diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 in seven Montreal hospitals. Their data was compared with that of 897 women who did not have ovarian cancer.
The scientific team also assessed the relationship between exposure to the 29 most common agents in the professional environment and the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
18 agents seem particularly at risk, including talcum powder, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic fibres, polyester fibres, organic dyes and pigments, cellulose and chemicals naturally present in gasoline and bleaching agents.
What are the jobs on the front line?
Working for 10 years or more as a hairdresser, barber or beautician has been associated with a three times higher risk of ovarian cancer.
The cause: prolonged exposure to 13 agents including ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, organic dyes and pigments and bleaching agents. As for barbers, the very frequent use of talc – many of which still contain asbestos – is singled out.
Another problematic professional field, with a doubling of the number of cancers, is accounting. Additional analyzes are needed, but the researchers believe that the risk this time would be linked to the sedentary lifestyle in this sector.
In the construction sector, the risk is almost tripled and working for several years in the textile industry would also present an 85% increased risk of ovarian cancer. Women working in trades related to the paper industry and sales are also more exposed than others according to the results of the study.
More specific research should be conducted to determine whether the work environment, a particular agent or a combination of agents is directly responsible for ovarian cancers.
To note : In 2020, the estimated number of new cases of ovarian cancer was estimated at 5,320 cases. In the same year, the recorded deaths amounted to 3,935 cases.
Source : Occupational environment and ovarian cancer risk, Occupational & Environmental Medecine, 10 juillet 2023
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