Multiple malignant neoplasms in the charity hospital of louisiana tumor registry

For the 23‐year period 1948‐1970, second primary cancers were ascertained that occurred among white and black persons entered in the Charity Hospital of Louisiana Tumor Registry. The number of observed second primary cancers was compared with the expected number, to obtain a direct estimate of risk. Both white and black women with initial breast cancer had an excess risk of developing cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx and an additional breast cancer. White women with breast cancer had a slightly increased risk for developing cancer of the lung and ovary and black women for developing cancer of the corpus uteri and leukemia. Both white and black women with initial cancer of the cervix had an excess risk for subsequent cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx and lung. Women with cervical cancer had a small increased risk for subsequent bladder cancer. White men with primary cancers of the lip and mouth had a significantly increased risk of developing further cancer of the skin and lung. Black men with primary cancer of the salivary gland had a three‐fold increased risk, which was accounted for by subsequent cancer of the lung and prostate. Black men with primary cancer of the mouth had a three‐fold increased risk, which was explained by subsequent additional cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx and lung. The five‐fold increased risk among black men with primary cancer of the pharynx was accounted for by subsequent cancers of the esophagus, lung, and prostate.