Population-based case-control study of the association of occupational environment and ovarian cancer risk

A population-based case-control study in Montreal (Canada) included 491 cases of ovarian cancer and 897 controls. There were elevated risks of ovarian cancer among women with employment ≥ 10 years as accountants (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.10-3,79), hairdressers and related workers (3.22; 1.25-8.27), sewers and embroiderers (1.85; 0.77-4.45), and in the industries of retail trade (1.59; 1.05-2.39). Positive associations with ORs above 1.42 were seen for high cumulative exposure versus never exposure to 18 agents. The authors conclude that certain occupations, industries, and specific occupational exposures may be associated with ovarian cancer risk.