[Prevention of occupational cancer in the asbestos cement industry (preliminary report)].

Abstract

In a cohort study on 324 asbestos cement workers an increased risk of lung cancer was observed in comparison to cement workers (O/E = 1.7, p less than 0.05). 10 out of 17 deaths from lung cancer occurred after age 65, stressing the need for screening after retirement. In a pilot study on 198 asbestos cement workers we tried to adjust the screening intensity to individual risk (esp. for respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases) by use of history (exposure, smoking, etc.) and results of earlier examination. We found relations between smoking and respiratory symptoms, smoking and parameters of flow-volume-curves, smoking and radiological signs of early pneumoconiosis. Possibilities for early detection and intervention are discussed.