A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Montreal suggests that hairdressers, beauticians, and accountants may have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. The research indicates that working in these professions for 10 or more years may come with a heightened risk of the disease. Additionally, those working in sales, retail, clothing, and construction industries may also be vulnerable.
The study analyzed data from women aged 18 to 79, comparing 491 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer to 879 women without the disease. The participants’ employment history was collected and analyzed. The findings, published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, revealed that working for 10 or more years as a hairdresser, barber, beautician, or in related roles was associated with a three-fold higher risk of ovarian cancer. Working in construction was linked to a near tripling in risk, while employment for a decade or more in accountancy was associated with twice the risk. Long-term work in the clothing industry, including embroidery, was associated with an 85% heightened risk, while working in sales or retail was associated with higher risks of 45% and 59%, respectively.
The researchers suggest that exposure to particular chemical agents, such as those found in talcum powder and bleaches, could be the reason for the increased risk. Hairdressers, beauticians, and related workers were found to be the jobs most frequently exposed to 13 chemical agents, including ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, organic dyes and pigments, and bleaches. However, it is not clear if the link to ovarian cancer is driven by a single agent, a combination, or other workplace factors.
The study also found that white-collar and professional occupations, such as accountancy, could have a higher ovarian cancer risk due to workers being sedentary most of the day. Interestingly, women working as professional nurses appeared to have a decreased risk of ovarian cancer.
The researchers concluded that women who had worked in accountancy, hairdressing, sales, sewing, and related occupations, as well as the retail
What are the potential factors or chemical agents that may contribute to the elevated risk of ovarian cancer in professions like hairdressing and accounting
A recent study conducted by the University of Montreal has found that certain professions, including hairdressers, beauticians, and accountants, may have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. The research suggests that working in these fields for a decade or more may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Furthermore, individuals in sales, retail, clothing, and construction industries may also be more susceptible.
The study examined data from women aged 18 to 79, comparing 491 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer to 879 women without the disease. The researchers collected and analyzed the participants’ employment history. The findings, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, revealed that working for 10 years or more as a hairdresser, barber, beautician, or in related roles was associated with a three-fold higher risk of ovarian cancer. Working in construction was linked to a nearly tripled risk, while working in accounting for a decade or more was associated with twice the risk. Extended periods of work in the clothing industry, including embroidery, were associated with an 85% heightened risk, while working in sales or retail was connected to increased risks of 45% and 59%, respectively.
The researchers suggest that exposure to specific chemical agents, such as those found in talcum powder and bleaches, may be the cause of the elevated risk. Hairdressers, beauticians, and related workers were found to be occupations that frequently come into contact with 13 chemical agents, including ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, organic dyes and pigments, and bleaches. However, it remains unclear whether the link to ovarian cancer is solely due to a single agent, a combination of agents, or other workplace factors.
The study also found that white-collar and professional occupations, such as accounting, may have a higher risk of ovarian cancer due to prolonged periods of inactivity. Interestingly, nurses working in professional healthcare settings appeared to experience a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
In conclusion, the researchers stated that women who have worked in professions such as accounting, hairdressing, sales, sewing, and related occupations, as well as the retail industry, may face an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. The study highlights the need for further research to better understand the underlying causes and mechanisms contributing to this increased risk.
