OCCUPATIONAL RISKS FOR COLON-CANCER IN SWEDEN

Using the Cancer-Environment Registry of Sweden, which links census in formation (1960) with cancer incidence data (1961 to 1979), we conduct ed a systematic, population-based assessment of colon cancer incidence among cohorts defined by industry and occupation for all employed per sons in Sweden. Small but statistically significant excesses of colon cancer were observed among white-collar occupations, including adminis trators, professionals, and clerical and sales workers, whereas a redu ction in incidence was found among workers in agricultural and related jobs, such as farmers, fishermen, and hunters. Analysis by subsite wi thin the colon revealed little difference in results. The observed ris k patterns are consistent with previous reports on colon cancer risk a nd occupational physical activity levels, ie, elevated risk among sede ntary white-collar workers and reduced risk among agricultural workers . Few craftsman and production processing jobs were linked to colon ca ncer, although statistically significant excesses were observed among shoe and leather workers, metal smiths, and foundry workers in the met al manufacturing industry. The findings indicate that occupation in ge neral is likely to play a relatively small role in colon cancer etiolo gy, with perhaps its major contribution an indirect one via physical a ctivity.