Laryngeal cancer is a relatively rare cancer, and the Canadian Cancer Society estimates there will be 1150 new cases in 2020 [1]. It is more common in men than in women. Smoking and drinking alcohol are the most important non-occupational risk factors for laryngeal cancer.
Known occupational risk factors
Possible occupational risk factors
The greatest risks of laryngeal cancer were observed for construction trades occupations including among excavators, graders, and pavers, and glaziers. Construction trades workers may be exposed to asbestos, but non-occupational risk factors may also contribute to their risk of laryngeal cancer. Metal processing occupations and mining industries also had relatively high risks.
Workers in the construction industry overall, as well as some specific trades, have an increased risk of laryngeal cancer. Construction workers may be exposed to many different known and suspected carcinogens including asbestos, which is a known risk factor for laryngeal cancer, and engine exhaust. Occupational differences in use of cigarettes and alcohol may contribute to the increased risk of laryngeal cancer among construction workers. Construction workers may also be exposed to second-hand smoke in the workplace, which is a possible risk factor for laryngeal cancer.
An excess risk of laryngeal cancer was observed among mining industry workers, but work-related risk factors for this group are unclear. Some miners may have exposure to asbestos, but too few cases were observed among asbestos miners to explore the association specifically. Workers in the metal mining industry may be exposed to engine exhaust, which is a possible risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Smoking and alcohol may be important non-occupational risk factors for this group. Workers in primary metal industries may be exposed to acid mists [4].
Janitors and cleaners are exposed to dust and various chemical solvents, and possibly asbestos, which may increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. Many vehicles have asbestos-containing materials that can result in exposure when they are repaired.
Figure 1. Risk of laryngeal cancer diagnosis among workers employed in each industry group relative to all others, Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS), 1983-2016
The hazard ratio is an estimate of the average time to diagnosis among workers in each industry/occupation group divided by that in all others during the study period. Hazard ratios above 1.00 indicate a greater risk of disease in a given group compared to all others. Estimates are adjusted for birth year and sex. The width of the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) is based on the number of cases in each group (more cases narrows the interval).
Figure 2. Risk of laryngeal cancer diagnosis among workers employed in each occupation group relative to all others, Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS), 1983-2016
