Cancer incidence after an open cut coal mine fire

Using population-level cancer diagnosis data, we compared cancer incidence in locations affected by smoke from a six week-long open cut coal mine fire in regional Victoria, Australia, up to seven years following the event. There was no detectable effect on cancer incidence overall. While several subgroups exhibited changes, these were more likely due to statistical chance rather than real effects. These findings may be limited by low statistical power and short duration of follow up. To confirm the influence of open cut coal mine fires on cancer incidence, further research and an extended follow-up duration are necessary. • Evidence on medium-term exposure to open-cut coal mine fire and cancer incidence. • Higher risk of small cell lung carcinoma cases potentially linked to the fire. • Minimal evidence for other cancer risks following the open cut coal mine fire.