Cancer incidence among waitresses in Norway

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Previous research indicates elevated cancer risks (upper aerogastric tract, liver, lung) for restaurant workers.
• Women constitute a significant majority (approx. 75%) of the Norwegian restaurant workforce.
• This study investigates cancer incidence specifically in a female cohort of waitresses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if Norwegian waitresses face similar cancer risks as previously observed in male restaurant workers.
• To analyze cancer incidence in a large cohort of female employees in the Norwegian restaurant industry.
• To investigate potential links between occupational factors and specific cancer types in waitresses.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving 5,314 waitresses from the Norwegian Restaurant Workers' Union (1932-1978).
• Follow-up data collected from 1959 to 1991, analyzing cancer incidence.
• Calculation of standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for various cancer types, including alcohol-associated and lung cancers.

Main Results:

• Overall cancer incidence was comparable to the general population (SIR = 1.0).
• A significantly elevated risk for lung cancer was observed (SIR = 2.3).
• Increased incidence of cervical cancer and decreased incidence of breast cancer were noted. Lung and cervical cancer risks were higher in establishments serving alcohol.

Conclusions:

• Norwegian waitresses, like their male counterparts, exhibit a high risk for lung cancer.
• No increased risk for alcohol-associated cancers was detected in this cohort.
• Further research with longer follow-up is needed to assess potential alcohol consumption effects in younger waitresses.