Occupational Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer: Impact of Professions on Disease Development in France

2023-08-01 14:00:00

In France, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death, with 3,935 deaths recorded in 2020. According to a study, certain professions predispose to developing this disease.

Each year in France, more than 5,300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Less known than breast or uterine cancer, it is responsible for nearly 4,000 deaths annually in the territory. It is now the 9th most common cause of cancer in women, and the 5th leading cause of cancer death in France. A Canadian study has just been published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine on the subject, which tries to understand a little better the causes of the development of the disease.

The study was carried out thanks to the Prevention of Ovarian Cancer in Quebec (PROVAQ) cohort with the help of participants aged 18 to 79, recruited from seven Montreal hospitals between 2010 and 2016 following being diagnosed with epithelial cancer of the the ovary. The researchers analyzed the career paths, lifestyles and backgrounds of these 491 women. They were able to highlight several trades more at risk than others of developing the pathology. Women who work in the beauty trades are particularly affected. Hairdressers, barbers and beauticians are subject to a three times higher risk of ovarian cancer following 10 years in the profession. Other fields are concerned, in particular the accounting sector, or the building sector.

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The risk factors are diverse

For hairdressers, barbers and beauticians, the risk comes mainly from 18 agents that impact long-term health. Talcum powder, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic fibers, polyester fibers, dyes, organic pigments, celluloses and other chemicals present in particular in bleaching agents are singled out. So many molecules used and inhaled on a daily basis by people working in these trades. In construction, the risk is also multiplied by three for the same reasons, the same in the textile or paper industry which are exposed to several agents involved.

For accountants, the problem is quite different. The risk of cancer is doubled in these professions, and one of the risk factors put forward is physical inactivity. In office jobs such as accounting, the danger is therefore real without sufficient physical activity to compensate. Ovarian cancers may also be more likely to develop with several other factors:

Age Genetic predisposition Prolonged exposure to estrogen and/or menopausal hormone therapy Smoking Asbestos exposure

Journalist

Cannes native of Toulouse, Déborah loves shopping as much as supporting her favorite rugby team. A true writing enthusiast, she reveals all the scoops and latest…

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