RESEARCH - Risk of cancer among RA patients in California

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Cancer Causes Control. 2009 Jan 28.

Risk of cancer among rheumatoid arthritis patients in California.

Parikh-Patel A, White RH, M, Cress R.

California Cancer Registry, Public Health Institute, 1825 Bell Street,

Suite 102, Sacramento, CA, 95825, USA.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to

evaluate cancer risk among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in

California.

METHODS: The study cohort derived from statewide patient discharge

records was followed via linkage with cancer registry data over the

period 1991-2002. Age and sex adjusted standardized incidence ratios

(SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare

observed to expected numbers of cancers based on age, race, and sex

specific incidence rates in the California population.

RESULTS: Among the 84,475 RA patients, who were observed for 405,540

person-years, 5,533 incident cancers were diagnosed during the

observation interval. The risk of developing lymphohematopoietic

cancer was significantly higher in the cohort for both sexes. Males

had significantly higher risks of lung, liver, and esophageal cancer,

but a lower risk of prostate cancer. Females were at significantly

decreased risk for several cancers including breast, ovary, uterus,

cervix, and melanoma, with the risk reduction ranging from 15 to 57%

lower than the general population. Hispanics had increased risks of

leukemia, vagina/vulva, lung, and liver cancers.

CONCLUSION: Studies investigating the mechanisms that underlie the

reported associations between RA and specific cancer types are needed.

PMID: 19184473

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19184473

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