Mortality study of British pathologists

Abstract

Pathologists eligible for inclusion in the study were identified from the membership lists of the Royal College of Pathologists from 1974 to 1987, establishing a population of 4,512 members. Overall mortality was lower among the study group compared with the general population of England and Wales, although there were significantly more deaths due to suicide (observed 13, expected 4.9, SMR 265, 95% CI 141-454). Excess deaths due to cancer of the lymphatic and hemopoietic system were noted but they were not significantly increased. An excess of brain cancer death was marginally significant for male pathologists (observed 6, expected 2.5, SMR 240, 95% CI 88-522). Six of the 9 (66.7%) cases of all types of brain tumors reported in total were among hematologists, although this sub-specialty comprises approximately 16% of all pathologists.