Cancer Epidemiology Unit

About: Cancer Epidemiology Unit is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 669 authors who have published 1725 publications receiving 93979 citations.

Childhood leukaemia and intramuscular vitamin K: findings from a case-control study.

Abstract: Exposures before birth and in early life have long been thought to be important determinants of cancer in children. Anxiety about the neonatal administration of vitamin K was raised in 1992, when Golding et al linked intramuscular, but not oral, vitamin K with childhood malignancy.1 Of particular concern was the 2.65-fold increased risk of leukaemia.1 Much debate ensued, and, although Golding's findings have not been confirmed elsewhere,2 3 4 much public anxiety remains. We present the findings relating to vitamin K from a case-control study designed to investigate associations between leukaemia and prenatal and neonatal exposures. Cases comprise children (0-14 years) diagnosed with leukaemia whose mothers' obstetric notes are stored at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford (born 1951 or later), the Rosie Maternity Hospital, Cambridge (born …

Maternal occupation during pregnancy, birth weight, and length of gestation: combined analysis of 13 European birth cohorts

Abstract: Objectives We assessed whether maternal employment during pregnancy – overall and in selected occupational sectors – is associated with birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), term low birth weight (LBW), length of gestation, and preterm delivery in a population-based birth cohort design. Methods We used data from >200 000 mother-child pairs enrolled in 13 European birth cohorts and compared employed versus non-employed women. Among employees, we defined groups of occupations representing the main sectors of employment for women where potential reproductive hazards are considered to be present. The comparison group comprised all other employed women not included in the occupational sector being assessed. We performed meta-analyses of cohort-specific estimates and explored heterogeneity. Results Employees had a lower risk of preterm delivery than non-employees [adjusted odds ratio (OR adj ) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.81–0.91]. Working in most of the occupational sectors studied was not associated with adverse birth outcomes. Being employed as a nurse was associated with lower risk SGA infants (OR adj 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.99) whereas food industry workers had an increased risk of preterm delivery (OR adj 1.50, 95% CI 1.12–2.02). There was little evidence for heterogeneity between cohorts. Conclusions This study suggests that, overall, employment during pregnancy is associated with a reduction in the risk of preterm birth and that work in certain occupations may affect pregnancy outcomes. This exploratory study provides an important platform on which to base further prospective studies focused on the potential consequences of maternal occupational exposures during pregnancy on child development.

Cancer in electrical workers: an analysis of cancer registrations in England, 1981-87.

Abstract: Associations between work in the electrical and electronic industry and cancer incidence were assessed using data for 371 890 cancers registered in England between 1981 and 1987, of which 7981 were in electrical workers. Proportional registration ratios (PRRs) were calculated, both with and without the commonest cancers, with adjustment for age, social class, cancer registry of origin and sex. Of four cancers previously linked with work in the electrical and electronic industry (leukaemia, brain, breast and melanoma), only two were significantly raised: leukaemia (PRR=124, 95% CI=109-142, based on 217 cases) and malignant brain cancer (PRR=118, 95% CI=103-136, based on 204 cases). A significantly increased risk was also observed for pleural cancer (PRR=201, 95% CI=167-241, based on 115 cases). The histology of almost 90% of pleural cancers was coded as mesothelioma, confirming the previously observed association between pleural cancer and exposure to asbestos in electrical workers. The extent to which workplace exposures to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields explains the excesses seen here for leukaemia and brain cancer requires further study.