Cancer of the Upper Alimentary Tract and Larynx in Poland and in Polish-born Americans

Mortality for cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx, oesophagus and larynx in Poland in 1959-72 was analysed and compared with cancer incidence registered in the selected regions of Poland, with cancer mortality and incidence in other countries, and with mortality among Polish-born migrants to the U.S.A. The patterns of occurrence of these cancers in Poland appear to be similar to those of other European and American countries, except perhaps for the rather high and still increasing incidence of laryngeal cancer. Among male Polish migrants, however, mortality for these cancers was distinctly higher than either in Poland or among native Americans. This contrast, largest for oesophageal and laryngeal cancer, decreased between 1950 and 1959-61, but only for those aged below 65. Similarity of these shifts with those observed for lung cancer is stressed and explanations are looked for. Factors associated with the studied cancers and outlines for the further studies are discussed briefly.