Assessing Risk Factors for the Increased Risk of Pulmunary Cancer in Salento Area (Southern Apulia): first results from the “PROTOS” Case-control Study

TPS 771: Diet and lifestyle, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: Data from the Cancer Registry of the ASL of Lecce show how the incidence of pulmonary neoplasms in the male population in the years between 2003 and 2006 exceeded that of central and northern Italy, despite the absence of major industrial plants. A well-defined incidence cluster has also been found by National Institute of Health (ISS) including 16 municipalities in the central Salento area. Local Health Authority ASL Lecce, has activated an inter-institutional network (Oncological Prevention Network of Lecce, REPOL) and performed the PROTOS case control study, aimed at assessing the possible association between the excesses of lung cancer incidence and possible exposures (professional/environmental or lyfe-style-related) or familiarity for neoplasms. Methods: Patients suffering from pulmonary cancer (with diagnosis from 07/01/2015 to 12/31/2016) were interviewed on a voluntary basis with a specific questionnaire while entering healthcare services. Exclusion criteria for controls were the presence of respiratory diseases (asthma, emphysema, COPD), any previous neoplasia, myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke. Results: 442 cases were interviewed (351 males, 91 females) and 1541 controls (1111 males, 430 females). The most represented pulmonary neoplasm was adenocarcinoma (39.82% of cases). Only 8.82% of cases were non-smokers. Cases showed a statistically significant association with cigarette smoking (P <0.0001) and had significantly lower education level than controls (P = 0.001); the cases differed significantly from controls also for less physical activity (P<0.0001), higher consumption of alcohol (P<0.0001) and positive family history for cancer (P<0.0001). Professional history of jobs with possible exposure to carcinogens was statistically significant (P=0,022) as well as the use of pesticides in agriculture (P<0,001). Possible associations with environmental pollutants are currently under assessment by multiple modeling. Conclusion: This study aims to clarify the epidemiological scenario in the province of Lecce concerning the historical data showing a higher incidence and mortality for lung cancer in males.