US EPA

3100382 

Journal Article 

Occupational Cancer Epidemiology 

O'Berg, MT 

1987 

1 

Occupational Medicine
ISSN: 0962-7480
EISSN: 1471-8405 

NIOSH/00167134 

2 

1 

State of the Art Reviews 

Occupational cancer epidemiology was discussed, and the historical development of occupational cancer epidemiology was summarized. Occupational factors are estimated to be responsible for 4 to 15 percent of all cancer. Clear associations have been established between occupational exposure and cancer incidence in a few cases, for example lung cancer among asbestos workers, but for many other chemicals suspected of causing cancer evidence is insufficient to establish a causal link. Occupational cancer epidemiology in the United States was discussed. Several government agencies employ epidemiologists who specialize in occupational studies and, in some instances, subspecialize in occupational cancer epidemiology. NIOSH, under the Department of Health and Human Services, is designated as OSHA's research arm. Its scientists engage in conducting numerous workplace studies, including occupational exposure to carcinogens or suspect carcinogens. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) also has a group of cancer epidemiologists who investigate occupational agents. In addition to NIOSH and the NCI, the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and several branches of the Armed Forces also conduct or fund research related to occupational cancer. Research is also conducted in universities, in private industry, and by private consultants. Considerations in study design and analysis were discussed. Most studies are able to only crudely differentiate the exposed group. A wide range of exposures may occur in an industry, and the exposed group may include utility workers, clerks and others with little or no actual exposure. Studies usually fail to investigate jobs held prior to or after the employment of interest. Lack of data on previous or subsequent work experience makes it difficult to know if the exposure under study is responsible for any health effects observed or if the finding is confounded by unknown workplace exposures. To adequately assess cancer risk, it is preferable to determine incident cases. This is being done to a greater extent today than in the past. More cancer registries are being developed and existing registries are being tapped as valuable sources of data. Computers have had a major impact in improving the detail of analysis of data, and many statistical packages are now available with particular utility for epidemiologic studies. The author concludes that the inherent problems of epidemiology have served as challenges rather than discouragements, as the field continues to capture the interest of students and the public.