The aim of this German study was to identify occupations associated with elevated risk of prostate cancer. The researchers interviewed 238 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer, and talked to 414 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The investigators wanted to find out from each individual their smoking habits and information about occupations in which they had been employed for a year or more. According to the investigators, there was no relationship between "pack years" smoked and prostate cancer. However, underground coal miners and painters/varnishers had elevated risks for the disease. Businessmen showed a remarkably low rate of prostate cancer. Among those 70 and over, underground coal miners were the group in which risk was higher; also, horticultural, forestry, and chemical workers were at greater risk for prostate cancer.