POSSIBLE OCCUPATIONAL LUNG CANCER IN NEPAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between occupational exposures and the
development of lung cancer among the patients attending Bhaktapur Cancer Care Center, Bhaktapur,
Nepal. The study subjects consisted of 85 cases of lung cancer and a reference group of 40 cases of colon
cancer. Demographic data and information about work history was obtained by a structured interview.
Based on the occupational history, subjects were divided into exposed and non-exposed groups concerning
carcinogenic agents. Exposure prone occupations like agriculture, construction of buildings, construction of
roads and bridges, manufacturing, and transport were categorised as exposed occupations. Similarly,
occupations like administrative services, business, student and housewives were categorised as non-exposed.
Odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Adjustments
for smoking habit, life long cigarette consumption (smoking pack year), alcohol habit, education level and
age were done. The crude OR for the exposed workers was 5.59 (95% CI: 2.47,12.6). After adjustment for
smoking habit alone or for smoking habit, smoking pack year, alcohol habit, education level and age, the
OR was 4.8 (95% CI: 2.02,11.4) and 4.2 (95% CI: 1.4,12.0), respectively.
The study shows that for the exposed workers there was an increased risk of lung cancer. The risk was
significantly increased also after adjusting for smoking habit, smoking pack year, alcohol habit, age and
education level.

Key Words: Lung Cancer, occupation, exposure, Nepal.