PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of salivary
gland cancers associated with diverse occupations and industries. METH
ODS: A population-based case referent study utilized data obtained fro
m a SEER program cancer registry for cases and by telephone interview
for cases and referents to evaluate workplace risks of salivary gland
cancer for black and white women and men. RESULTS: Significantly eleva
ted odds ratios were observed among women employed as hairdressers and
those working in beauty shops. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of salivary glan
d cancer is elevated among women employed as hairdressers. Further res
earch should assess dyes, sprays, and other inhaled chemicals that may
be acting as carcinogens. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.