Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by grouped occupations and industries. This case-control study was conducted at National Cancer Institute of Thailand and regional cancer centers during March to August 2008. The study sample consisted of incidence cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with histological confirmation and controls obtained from friends and cousins of patients visited at National Cancer Institute of Thailand and regional cancer centers. Information was collected by interviews about demographic variables, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, eating habits, past history of disease, family history of cancer and a lifetime history of every job that was held for one year or longer. Occupations were coded using ISCO version 68 and industries were coded using NACE.
Totally 539 participants were interviewed, including 251 cases and 288 controls. Occupations associated with significantly increased risks of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were carpenter, bus driver, mechanic, taxi driver, retail trade owner and cook. Industries associated with significantly increased risks of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were grain milling, metal production, motor vehicle repair, wood product making, restaurant, retail sale and military service.
In conclusion, this study has shown a significant risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma among workers in some occupations and industries. Consequently, these workers should be paid attention and provided with occupational health services such as prevention and control of exposures and health surveillance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in specific occupations and industries.