Author/Authors :
Rafeemanesh Ehsan نويسنده Occupational Medicine Department, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Taghizadekermani Ali نويسنده Oncology Department, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Khajedaluee Mohammad نويسنده Community Medicine Department, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Mashhad, Iran , Ahmadi Fatemeh نويسنده Occupational Medicine Department, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females. At present,
evidence exists to support an association of breast cancer with several risk factors such
as occupational risk factors. The aim of this study is to further characterize potential
associations between breast cancer risk and occupation.
Methods: In this case-control study, we reviewed records from 965 histologically
confirmed breast cancer cases. From these, 104 employed women were chosen. The
control group consisted of 112 age-matched employed women. Required data were
gathered through in-person interviews and medical records reviews. Occupations
were classified into four categories: teachers, administrative/clerical workers, healthcare
workers, and miscellaneous jobs. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square,
t-test, and logistic regression model.
Results: A higher proportion of cases (60.6%) were teachers. Physical activity,
smoking, and family history of cancer significantly differed between the case and control
groups. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found that teachers had a
higher risk for breast cancer compared to other occupations (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The teaching profession can be an important risk factor for breast cancer.
Emphasis on early screening programs seems necessary. According to the high percent
of female teachers, we recommend a detailed evaluation of exposures in this occupation.
