Breast changes in workers engaged in the manufacture of sex hormones

ABSTRACT

Numerous studies have established an association between sex hormones and the risk of developing neoplastic disease. It is of course, well known that both the risk of certain tumours occurring in women such as cancer of the breast and the endometrium and the prognosis in the event of their occurrence, are strongly related to endogenous hormones. It is quite justifiable to ask questions about the significance of exogenous hormones in relation to such diseases. This work was performed in one of the companies engaged in manufacturing of sex hormones. All workers already present and those transfered from this section have been examined for the presence of any breast mass or scar of previous operation. Pathological reports have been reviewed and correlated with the duration of exposure; age of workers, parity, and family history. Hormonal assay was performed for all exposed workers