ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES CONTRIBUTING TO KIDNEY AND BLADDER CANCERS AMONG POPULATIONS WITH HIGH CKD BURDEN

Abstract

Background:
Environmental and occupational exposures contribute to the rising burden of kidney and bladder cancers, especially in populations with chronic kidney disease. Punjab faces high exposure levels due to agriculture, industrial activity, and unsafe water sources.

Objective:
To assess the association between environmental and occupational exposures and the occurrence of kidney and bladder cancers among patients with a high burden of chronic kidney disease in THQ hospitals of Punjab.

Methods:
A cross sectional analytical study was conducted on 180 participants. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographic details, exposure history, and medical conditions. Chi square test was applied to determine associations between exposures and cancer outcomes.

Results:
Pesticide exposure was reported in 65.6% of participants, heavy metal exposure in 53.3%, and contaminated water use in 60.6%. Kidney cancer prevalence was 32.2% and bladder cancer 25.6%. Significant associations were found between pesticide exposure and kidney cancer (p = 0.001), heavy metals and both cancers (p < 0.01), and occupational exposure with bladder cancer (p = 0.002). Longer exposure duration showed strong association with both cancers.

Conclusion:
Environmental and occupational exposures show significant links with kidney and bladder cancers in high CKD burden populations. Preventive strategies and exposure control measures are needed to reduce disease risk in Punjab.