Occupational bladder cancer in New Zealand: a 1-year review of cases notified to the New Zealand Cancer Registry.

AIM: To identify which cases of adult bladder cancer notified to the New Zealand Cancer Registry in 2001 had a probable occupational cause. METHODS: Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), in conjunction with the Massey University Centre for Public Health Research, interviewed and obtained an occupational history for 210 (162 men, 48 women) cases. RESULTS: Of the 162 male cases (response rate 65%), 45 (28%) were considered to be 'probable' occupational cancers. Of the 48 female cases (response rate 76%), three cases (6%) were considered to be 'probable' occupational cancers. The largest occupational group for men was truck drivers, which made up 51% of probable cases. Other common groups were engineering and metal workers (18%), crop farmers/orchardists (7%), textile and leather workers (7%), painters/furniture finishers (7%), and plastics manufacturing workers (4%). The three female cases considered to be of occupational origin included two textile workers and one telephonist. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of cases considered to be of occupational origin is similar to that reported in Europe and the United States, indicating that occupational cancer is a major occupational health problem in New Zealand as it is in other parts of the world.