Occupational Exposure and Urinary Tract Cancer: The Role of Early Screening

Urinary tract cancers, affecting approximately 386,000 people worldwide in 2008, are a significant public health concern, with urothelial bladder cancer ranking as the seventh most common cancer globally. Occupational exposure to carcinogens, particularly aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrosamines, is a major contributor, with industries such as rubber manufacturing, chemical processing, roadwork, and metal processing posing the highest risks. Research on occupational factors is crucial to focus safety efforts and reduce cancer incidence.

A long-term study in France evaluated 2,020 male workers exposed to known urothelial carcinogens over 20 years. Urine cytology screenings were conducted after multiple consecutive workdays, categorizing results as normal, atypical/suspicious, or malignant. Findings showed that risk of abnormal cytology increased with the duration of exposure: 4.8% for 1–10 years, 6.2% for 11–20 years, 7.6% for 21–30 years, and 8.6% for over 30 years. Adjusted analyses confirmed higher odds of suspicious or malignant results for prolonged exposure, particularly in rubber manufacturing, with trends in chemical, roadwork, and building industries.

The study highlights urine cytology as a valuable occupational medicine tool, supporting early and ongoing screening from the onset of exposure through post-retirement. Identifying causative occupational factors can guide preventive strategies, ultimately reducing the burden of urothelial cancers.

Broder, M. H. (n.d.). Urine cytology screening and occupational exposure to urinary tract carcinogens: Urine cytology screening protocols may be useful for earlier detection of urothelial cancer associated with occupational exposures. MedPage Today. Reviewed by M. Leapman. https://www.medpagetoday.com/resource-centers/advances-immunotherapy/urine-cytology-screening-and-occupational-exposure-urinary-tract-carcinogens/2245