An update of cancer incidence in the agricultural health study

Abstract

Objective: Our objective is to reevaluate cancer incidence among Agricultural Health Study participants. Methods: Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and relative standardized ratios were calculated. Results: A significant excess of prostate cancer was seen for private and commercial applicators (SIR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.14, 1.25 and SIR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.61, respectively). Excesses were observed for lip cancer (SIR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.02, 3.44) and multiple myeloma (SIR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.95) among private applicators from North Carolina and for marginal zone lymphoma among Iowa spouses (SIR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.21, 4.09). Conclusions: Although lower rates of smoking and increased physical activity probably contribute to the lower overall cancer incidence, agricultural exposures including pesticides, viruses, bacteria, sunlight, and other chemicals may increase risks for specific cancer sites. © 2010 by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.