A 1994 U.S. study found that education was a PCa risk factor [2]:
"education level was associated positively in an increasing trend ... up to an RR of 1.4 ... among men with postgraduate education."
In a 2007 Italian study [3]:
"A significantly increased risk was found for high education level (OR = 3.3 for 12 or more years versus less than 7 years)"
In a 2008 U.S. study [4]:
"lower education level was associated with a decreased risk of ... local prostate cancers (0.79 ...)."
In the new study:
"In white-collar industries, higher occupational class men tended to have lower a reduced risk for most common types of cancer, with the exception of professionals who showed an excess risk for prostate cancer."
I have always thought that the risk is due to the number of hours working indoors. The fact that PCa stands out in this regard, may indicate the importance of vitamin D for protection.
One might argue that well-educated men might be more inclined to screen, but the association was noted before the PSA era [5].
Another possible correlation might be with the level of sedentariness. I know that a lot of people that use this forum are very active but as a whole I suspect that higher occupational class people spend more time behind desks, in meetings etc. In my own case, I became more active when I retired from work.
I wonder also whether there could be a special connection with sitting down, the close proximity of the butt to the prostate gland, and the reduced blood circulation that might occur in the vicinity of the prostate as a result from long periods sitting down.
It would not surprise me if that was the case. However I guess there are many factors that might predispose you to PCa, e.g. genetics, food eaten, adipose fat, lack of exercise, contact with carcinogens, other medical conditions and medications, etc, etc.
In my case, I spent a lot of time driving as well as behind a desk. My kidneys failed from an autoimmune disease, I went on peritoneal dialysis where the abdomen is periodically filled with glucose solution (probably not good for PCa). I was taking quite a lot of calcium to reduce phosphate levels in my blood (probably not good for PCa). I then had a kidney transplant. (opioid anaesthetics are not good for cancer). To stop my transplanted kidney being rejected I am on immunosuppressants (not good for PCa).
One study where truck driving was associated with aggressive PCa. Whole body vibration is suggested as a cause.
Epidemiology/Lifestyle Factors
Abstract B63: Occupational risk factors for high aggressive prostate cancer in a population-based study of African Americans and European Americans
Wendy Sun, Elizabeth TH Fontham, Jeanette T. Bensen and James L. Mohler
DOI: 10.1158/1940-6215.PREV-13-B63 Published November 2013
ArticleInfo & Metrics
Abstracts: Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; Oct 27-30, 2013; National Harbor, MD
Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the North American males. Many industrial and occupational exposures have been studied. However, the results are generally inconclusive. It has been suggested that whole body vibration experienced among heavy equipment and transport equipment operators, construction workers, and transportation laborers may increase risk of prostate cancer. Other studies have suggested that pesticide exposure in farming and landscaping may be associated with risk of prostate cancer. No study has reported on occupational risk associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness, which may be more important since most prostate cancer is indolent.
Methods: Data from 1049 African-American (AA) and 1083 European-American (EA) newly-diagnosed prostate cancer research subjects from the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) were used to assess the association between occupational history and prostate cancer aggressiveness. Research subjects were interviewed regarding their most recent job at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis, the two positions held for the longest period of time during their working life, and whether they had ever worked more than 6 months as a landscaper, at a garden shop, as an animal caretaker, or as an exterminator. Men were classified as cases (high aggressiveness) if Gleason sum ≥8, or PSA >20 ng/ml, or Gleason sum ≥7 AND clinical stage = T3/T4. All other men constituted the comparison group (low or intermediate aggressiveness). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for high aggressive prostate cancer and occupational history.
Results: Using employment as an educator as the reference category, men who reported working as a truck driver as their longest job were more likely to have high aggressive prostate cancer at diagnosis (OR=3.96, 95%CI=1.02, 15.46). This study found that men employed for at least six months at garden shop were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with high aggressive prostate cancer (OR=2.33, 95%CI=1.21, 4.45); while working as a landscaper, animal caretaker, or exterminator did not appear to be associated with high aggressive prostate cancer.
Conclusions: Men employed as a truck driver or at a garden shop for at least six months are more likely to have high aggressive prostate cancer at diagnosis. Previous studies have found that long-term exposure to whole body vibration in truckers can result in prostatitis and elevated testosterone. Pesticide storage at a garden center may affect indoor air quality. This research provides clinical evidence that suggests certain occupations may have higher risk for aggressive prostate cancer.
Higher occupational level may correlate with food choices because income is greater; specifically, more income may lead to more meat consumption, especially red meat. But I'm just speculating. The suggestion about sedentary life style seems worth investigating. As for pesticide/herbicide exposure in Garden Centers, look for Parkinson's disease in employees with several years of exposure.
Years ago, one researcher who had spent years looking at soy & green tea consumption in Asia, said that 'we might as well have been counting utility poles'.
Asians who move to the U.S. have a higher rate of PCa. I doubt that they suddenly start eating an American diet. Out with the rice; in with the French fries?
I think the answer is dietary affluence.
It's been found in one Chinese study, that men with PCa tend to eat more pork & less rice.
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