Clin B, et al. - This extensive study analyzed the link between occupational exposure to asbestos and incident esophageal cancer. Findings indicated a link between asbestos exposure and cancer of the esophagus.

Methods

• Researchers performed a 10-year follow-up study in the 14 515 male subjects included in this program between October 2003 and December 2005.
• Follow-up began when exposure stopped.
• Industrial hygienists analyzed asbestos exposure using data from a standardized questionnaire.
• In addition, Cox model was used, with age as the time axis variable adjusted for smoking, time since first exposure (TSFE) and cumulative exposure index (CEI) of exposure to asbestos.

Results

• Researchers reported a significant dose-response link between CEI of exposure to asbestos and esophageal cancer, in both incidence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.58), and mortality (HR 1.40, [95%CI 1.12-1.75]).