Environmental and occupational exposure among cancer patients in Mato Grosso

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of occupational and environmental exposure according to sociodemographic factors in cancer patients treated at reference hospitals in the state of Mato Grosso. Methods: Cross-sectional study with cancer patients aged 18 years or older. The prevalence of exposure to pesticides, asbestos, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde, benzene, exposure to industrial dust and handling of other chemical substances were calculated according to gender, age group and education. Results: 1,012 patients were interviewed (55.0% female, 45.6% aged 60 years or over, 56.8% had less than 5 years of education. Pesticides (22.8%), industrial dust (10.7%) and benzene (10.1%) were the most frequent exposures. Occupational and environmental exposure was higher in males for all evaluated exposures, except for formaldehyde, which was higher in females. industrial dust, benzene, asbestos and heavy metals increased with age and were more frequent among those with less education. Conclusion: Approximately one in five cancer patients treated at reference hospitals in Mato Grosso reported having been exposed to pesticides, and one in ten were exposed to industrial dust and benzene, with greater exposure among males, older and less educated.