Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. However, despite being so common, little is known about how modifiable factors such as air pollution may influence the risk of developing this disease. Air pollution occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals, particles, or biological materials, are released into the air, changing its natural composition. Global health organizations have classified air pollution as a cancer-causing agent particularly for lung cancer, and some studies suggest that exposure to various components of air pollution may increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, few studies have considered both occupational and residential sources of exposure to air pollutants and prostate cancer risk. This study aims to determine whether lifetime exposure to air pollution in the workplace and at home, both independently and collectively, contribute to the risk of developing prostate cancer. This study will use lifetime job and residential information collected from 5,046 men enrolled in CARTaGENE, Quebec’s largest ongoing cohort study. Participants’ exposure to various air pollutants at work and at home will be estimated, allowing for the comparison of prostate cancer rates among men with varying levels of air pollution exposure. By utilizing existing data in a cost-effective and timely manner, this study can provide critical evidence to guide government policy on prostate cancer prevention.