Occupations with low risk of lip cancer show high risk of skin cancer of the head

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Abstract
The standardized morbidity ratios (SMR) of lip and non-melanomatous skin cancer (basal-cell carcinoma excluded) of the head and neck in males were determined for different occupational groups in Finland. The data on all cases of these types of cancer diagnosed in Finland in the age group 35-69 years in 1971-75 were supplemented by information on occupations from the 1970 census (Central Statistical Office of Finland). The expected numbers of cases were based on the age and occupation-specific numbers of person-years computed by the Central Statistical Office, and the age-specific incidence rates of lip and skin cancers among the economically active population. The highest SMR of lip cancer among all the occupational groups was found in agriculture, forestry and fishing (1.64). The SMR of skin cancer was not higher than expected in occupations related to agriculture and forestry. Significantly lower than expected risks of lip cancer were observed among highly educated white-collar workers, among whom the risk of contracting skin cancer was the highest (technical, scientific, humanistic and artistic work, SMR 1.78). The morbidity of lip and skin cancers varies considerably by occupation, and the risks seem to be, at least in part, inversely related. It is probable that there are also differences in the risk factors, contrary to several earlier suggestions. The nature of these factors are discussed.

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