Lymphocytopenia in high cancer risk population: Evidence in automobile pattern makers
Authors:
Ki Moon Bang and Calbert A. Laing
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology, Howard University, Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20060, U.S.A.
Abstract:
A total of 1454 automobile pattern makers were studied to determine the degree of lymphocyte reduction. These occupational workers have been known to be at high risk for colorectal cancer. As a group, pattern makers had significantly lower lymphocyte counts than the comparison group. The proportion of lymphocytopenia (less than 1500/mm3) in pattern makers was 26.2% as compared with 5.6% in the comparison group. Continuous monitoring of lymphocyte reduction in pattern makers may be worthwhile to evaluate whether these workers face a high risk for deficiency in lymphocytes in association with their risk for high rates of colorectal cancer.