Multiple primary cancers, with special reference to occupational exposure.

Abstract

Multiple primary cancer (MPC) relating to occupational exposure was studied. The study consisted of a literature survey, survey of on-going research and our project on the frequency and nature of MPC in an occupational cohort of Japanese dyestuff workers followed from 1962 through 1983. From the review of the literature and on-going research there is little information on MPC and existing findings are mostly incomplete. However, a few occupational agents known to be carcinogenic to more than two organs, i.e. arsenic or radium, have been reported to cause MPC. In our follow-up of occupational bladder cancer cases, increased MPCs compared with a matched control group of nonoccupational cases were observed, but further investigation is necessary for a final conclusion. Finally, epidemiologic problems inherent to the study of MPC, including occupational studies, are discussed.