Epidemiological and clinical investigations among employees in a former herbicide production process

Abstract

Because of the limited study power, a link between former employment in this herbicide production process and the occurrence of cancer cannot be ruled out with confidence, although the observed incidence and distribution of cancers in this small cohort may be consistent with that expected in the general population. Detection of three prostate cancers via the examination program is also consistent with the experience of cancer screening programs that include PSA testing. Enhanced screening for prostate cancer among men over age 50 can lead to detection of cancers at earlier ages than would otherwise be the case. This likelihood needs to be planned for and addressed in communications with the study population prior to undertaking such initiatives.