Upper aerodigestive tract cancers in former employees at an iron and steel works

Local concern about numbers of laryngeal cancer cases led to an investigation of the incidence of upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) cancer in an industrial cohort. Males (n = 11 470) who had been directly employed at an iron and 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 of the cohort developed a UAT cancer during 1960–1998. There were no more UAT cancers than expected [standardized incidence ratio = 97, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 72–127], but slightly more laryngeal cancers than expected (standardized incidence ratio = 118, 95% CI = 78–171), although this estimate was less precise. The lack of complete work histories meant that relationships between cancer incidence and length of service or job categories could not be explored.