Abstract
Lung cancer was the most important epidemic of the 20th century, and it will likely remain a major public health problem in the 21st century also. Control of tobacco smoking is by far the most important preventive measure against lung cancer. Control of exposure to other lung carcinogens, in both the general and the occupational environment, is another measure that has been taken and, at least in some instances, has had substantial effects. Lung cancer among nonsmokers is not rare. Occupational factors, passive smoking, and indoor exposure to radon do not explain more than a minor proportion of these cases. Cancer of the larynx is mostly caused by tobacco, alcohol, and their interaction, but dietary factors are also likely to be important. Pleural mesothelioma is almost specifically linked to occupational exposure to asbestos.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Textbook of Cancer Epidemiology |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780199865093 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780195311174 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Sep 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Alcohol
- Asbestos
- Occupation
- Passive smoking
- Radon
- Tobacco