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Testicular cancer among Swedish pesticide applicators in the agricultural industry was discussed in a letter to the editor. A brief epidemiological summary of testicular cancer in Sweden indicated that the age standardized incidence of this type of cancer increased nearly twofold from 1960 to 1990. Studies have provided conflicting results on the risk of testicular cancers among agricultural occupations; some showed a higher risk of testicular cancer, while others did not reveal such a trend. One Swedish study was highlighted in which a nonsignificantly increased risk for testicular cancer was seen for 20,025 licensed pesticide applicators up to 1982. Eighteen observed cases of testicular cancer were found, compared to the 11.6 cases expected. The cohort was followed until 1991, and no significantly increased risk was seen, with 21 observed cases versus 19.2 expected. The authors conclude that the study did not show an increased risk of testicular cancer among pesticide applicators, and state that caution should be exercised when interpreting results involving a small number of cases.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 22(1):66, 1996. (12 references)
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