Upper aerodigestive tract cancers in former employees at an iron and steelworks

Local concern about numbers of laryngeal cancer cases led to an investigati on of the incidence of upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) cancer in an industr ial cohort. Males (n = 11 470) who had been directly employed at an iron an d steel works in northern England at any time between January 1960 and site closure in September 1983 were followed up for UAT cancers until December 1998. The incidence of UAT and laryngeal cancer was compared to the general population of the region via indirect standardization. Fifty-two members o f the cohort developed a UAT cancer during 1960-1998. There were no more UA T cancers than expected [standardized incidence ratio = 97, 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 72-127], but slightly more laryngeal cancers than expected (standardized incidence ratio = 118, 95% Cl = 78-171), although this estima te was less precise. The lack of complete work histories meant that relatio nships between cancer incidence and length of service or job categories cou ld not be explored.