Lung cancer risk in Venice: a population-based case-control study

Populations resident in the historical town of Venice and in the inland ind ustrial city of Mestre are at different risk of exposure to environmental p ollutants. This case-control study compares the risk of developing lung can cer in the two populations in relation to known risk factors for this neopl asm, A retrospective study of 305 incident cases of lung and 447 frequency- matched population controls was conducted through a standard questionnaire on main risk factors for lung cancer. Completeness of cases was checked aga inst the Venetian Cancer Registry files. The results indicate that lung can cer risk associated with tobacco smoking was high in both areas, although m ore elevated in Venice islands among heavy smokers. An elevation of risk wa s associated with housing without a heating system, possibly suggesting a r ole of worse hygienic conditions. An increased risk associated with exposur e to occupational carcinogens was detected in the inland area. In conclusio n, lung cancer risk due to tobacco smoking largely affects both the populat ions, while other risks such as occupation or housing conditions appear to be more population-specific. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.