The paper presents the findings of the first Russian study of possible cancer risks in printing workers. For the first time, the historical cohort study included women. The cohort comprised 1,553 males and 3,473 females who were followed up for 15 years (01/01/79-12/31/93). A significant increase in the rates of death from pancreatic cancer was registered among males employed as compositors exposed to inorganic lead dust and vapors. Raised mortality from malignancies of the stomach urinary bladder, skin melanoma and mesothelioma was identified in females exposed to a PAU-containing oil paint aerosol and paper dust. Significant death risks from esophageal and ovarian malignancies due to exposure to glue vapors and paper dust were observed in bookbinders.