Risk factors for scrotal cancer in the Netherlands

Despite the fact that the exposure to known risk factors (occupational exposure
to carcinogens) for scrotal cancer is almost decreased to zero, the incidence
of scrotal cancer remained fairly stable the past decades.
Almost no research has been performed on the possible new risk factors for this
cancer. Therefore, we started this study in order to identify (new) risk
factors for scrotal cancer.

To identify risk factors for scrotal cancer

Observational case-control study. All patients diagnosed with scrotal cancer
between 1989-2003 and still alive will be invited for this study. These
patients and their treating physicians will be identified through the
Netherlands Cancer Registry. All cancer registries from 9 regional
Comprehensive Cancer Centres will cooperate in this study and ask the
physicians practising in the hospitals from their region to participate in this
study. Participation includes the invition of their patients for this study.
The patient will recieve the invitation letter, informed consent form and
information leaflet. When he agrees to participate he is asked to fill out the
informed consent form and return this to the IKO. Then the questionnaire will
be sent.

Participation is without risks for the patients and controls. The only burden
is filling out a questionnaire. This will take 0.5-1 hour per participant.