Lung cancer incidence among Swedish bakers and pastrycooks: geographical variation

In a cohort of 14,352 Swedish male bakers and pastrycooks, the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for lung cancer 1961-79 varied significantly between geographical regions. In the three largest towns, the risk in bakers and pastrycooks was at the same level as in all men. When these three towns were excluded, there was a considerable excess risk, even after adjustment for smoking (SIR = 1.6, CI = 1.2-2.1). The SIR for lung cancer in bakers and pastrycooks were significantly lower in regions where the percentages of employed in big bakeries and confectioneries were high. The result of a case-control study, done within the cohort, suggested a somewhat higher lung cancer risk in bakers compared with pastrycooks. These results support the hypothesis that the excess risk may be due to exposure to carcinogens especially prevalent in small bakeries.