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.
Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it is usually diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease. At the
How does long-term exposure to specific chemical agents in professions like hairdressing and beautician work contribute to the increased risk of ovarian cancer?
New research conducted by the University of Montreal suggests that certain professions may be associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. The study analyzed data from a group of women aged 18 to 79, comparing those with ovarian cancer to those without the disease. The findings revealed that hairdressers, beauticians, and accountants who worked in their professions for 10 or more years had a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer. In addition, those working in sales, retail, clothing, and construction industries were also found to have a higher vulnerability.
The researchers speculate that exposure to specific chemical agents, such as those found in talcum powder and bleaches, could be the reason for the increased risk. Hairdressers, beauticians, and related workers are frequent users of these chemical agents. However, it is unclear whether the link to ovarian cancer is due to a single agent, a combination of agents, or other workplace factors.
Interestingly, the study also found that white-collar and professional occupations, such as accountancy, may have a higher ovarian cancer risk due to workers being sedentary for most of the day. Surprisingly, professional nurses were found to have a decreased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” because it is usually diagnosed at advanced stages. This new study sheds light on potential occupational risks associated with the disease, which could help raise awareness and encourage further research in the field.
This article sheds light on the alarming connection between specific occupations and the heightened risk of ovarian cancer. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing occupational hazards and implementing necessary precautions to protect the health and well-being of women working in these fields.
This article sheds light on the concerning correlation between specific occupations and a higher likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. It is crucial to raise awareness about occupational hazards and implement measures to protect the health of working women.