Cancers of the upper alimentary and respiratory tracts are proven to be causally associated with tobacco use and are therefore preventable. These cancers form 50% of all cancers in men and 20% in women in Bombay. This study reports on the trends in women for these cancers (observed in the Bombay Cancer Registry during 1964-81) which were found to be by and large similar to those reported elsewhere for males. A significant decline in age-adjusted rates (AAR) for Cancer of the oropharynx (Average Percentage Change: APC=-3.22, P<0.05) and for Cancer of the larynx (APC=-1.88, P<0.05) were observed. For cancer of the tongue, although the AAR did not show a significant decline, examination of trends in 10 yearly age-groups showed a significant decrease in 25-34 year group (APC=-7.09, P<0.01) indicating that in future years the decline in AAR is likely to attain significance. The decline in predominantly bidi (a popular form of smoking in India) dependent cancers is likely to be a reflection of a significant decline in prevalence of smoking in women with decrease in age. Age-adjusted rates for cancers at other sites in the alimentary and respiratory tracts were generally stable and underscored the need for a tobacco control program in women (along with men) to achieve a non-tobacco culture.

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