Extraprofessional and Occupational Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancers （CRC） account for frequent and serious cancers which result from the interaction between individual genetic factors and environmental factors, and in particular widely studied nutritional ones. The role of other occupational factors remains a controversial subject. The objective of this study is to evaluate the possible impact of occupational factors on the risk of developing CRC. Materials and Methods： This is a retrospective case-control study. The cases and the control group were enlisted in the general surgical ward of Farhat Hached Teaching Hospital of Sousse （Tunisia） during the period extending from 2004 to 2008, and they were age and gender-matched. The data were analyzed using SPSS 11.0 software with a signification threshold fixed at 5%. A univariate analysis was carried out as well as a multiple binary logistical regression. Results： During the period of the study, 40 cases of colorectal cancers have been colligated including 28 men and 12 women with a sex ratio of 0.43. The average age of the cases was 61.55 ± 13.3 years and 60.40 ± 12.84 years for the control group, with a non significant difference （P = 0.69）. The univariate analysis has objectivized significant associations between colorectal cancer and the housing conditions, the neoplastic and digestive family history, the occupational activity sector, exposure to pesticides, and lack of periodic medical supervision. After logistical regression, the occurrence risk of CRC was significantly associated with： alcohol and smoking （ORa = 3.43; Pa = 0.05）, meat consumption （ORa = 3.34; Pa = 0.03）, exposure to pesticides （ORa = 20.44; Pa = 0.012） and lack of periodic medical supervision （OR = 7.45; P = 0.004）. Conclusion： The occupational risk factors might play a role in the etiopathogenesis of colorectal cancers. With regard to our study, pesticides seem to be most implicated and necessitate suitable preventive measures. Nevertheless, it seems useful to multiply the studies to a much larger scale in order to further explore such relationship and to further reinforce the prevention of such serious disease.

Suggested Work Modifications for Patients with Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring, primarily affecting areas rich in apocrine glands. Environmental and occupational risk factors, including prolonged exposure to heat, friction, and certain chemicals, have been identified as exacerbating conditions for HS. Yet, there remains a lack of tailored recommendations for modifying work environments to alleviate these triggers. This review presents novel suggestions for work modifications to reduce HS flare-ups, such as implementing breathable, friction-reducing workwear, ergonomic adjustments to minimize pressure on affected areas, and introducing low-irritant hygiene protocols in workplaces with chemical exposure. These recommendations are grounded in emerging evidence linking specific occupational exposures to the exacerbation of HS symptoms. The novelty of this approach lies in its proactive stance, shifting from reactive management of HS symptoms to preventative environmental modifications. Future studies should explore the long-term efficacy of these modifications and investigate the potential for personalized work environment adjustments based on individual patient profiles. Targeted workplace interventions may significantly improve the quality of life for HS patients, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists, occupational health specialists, and employers.