Hairdressers, beauticians and accountants are among the professions that may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine.

Also, those who work at salesthe retailthe clothing and them constructions run through potential riskdue to cumulative exposure to agents such as talc and ammonia, propellants, gasoline, and bleaches.

The research

The environmental factors, including those related to the workplace; may increase the risk, but relatively few studies have assessed the occupational risks women face, the researchers report.

The researchers, from the Universités de Montréal in Canada and the Universités de Paris-Paris-Saclay, studied participants aged 18-79 who had been referred to seven hospitals in Montreal, Canada between 2010 and 2016 after being diagnosed with epithelial cancer. ovarian. In total, 491 of these women were matched for age and place of residence with 897 women who did not have ovarian cancer.

Information on social and demographic background, medical history, prescription medications, reproductive history, weight and height, lifestyle factors, and employment history was collected from all participants. Also, the participants mentioned the period of employment, the working hours and the main tasks they performed.

Cumulative length of employment in an industry or job was categorized as zero, less than ten years, and ten or more years.

As found, working for ten or more years in hairdressing, esthetics, and related occupations was associated with a three-fold increased risk of ovarian cancer, while ten or more years in accounting was associated with a doubling of the risk, and in construction with a near-tripling of the risk.

Similarly, long-term employment in the garment industry was associated with an 85% increased risk of developing the disease, while working in sales or retail was associated with a 45% and 59% increased risk, respectively.

Overall increased risks of more than 40% were observed for high exposure (eight or more years) to 18 different agents, including talc, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic fibers, polyester fibers, organic dyes and pigments, cellulose, formaldehyde, propellants, chemicals found in gasoline and bleaches.