Environmental and occupational exposure among cancer patients in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of occupational and environmental exposure according to sociodemographic factors in cancer patients treated at reference hospitals in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on cancer patients aged 18 years or older. The prevalence of exposure to pesticides, asbestos, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde, benzene, exposure to industrial dust, and handling of other chemical substances were calculated according to sex, age group, and level of education. Results: A total of 1,012 patients were interviewed (55.0% women, 45.6% aged 60 years or older, and 56.8% had less than five years of formal education). Pesticides (22.8%), industrial dust (10.7%), and benzene (10.1%) were the most frequent exposures. Occupational and environmental exposure was higher in men for all evaluated exposures, except for formaldehyde, which was higher in women. Exposure to pesticides, industrial dust, benzene, asbestos, and heavy metals increased with age and were more frequent among those with lower level of education. Conclusion: Approximately one in five cancer patients treated at reference hospitals in Mato Grosso reported having been exposed to pesticides, and one in ten were exposed to industrial dust and benzene, with greater exposure among men, older individuals, and those with lower level of education.