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Mortality among Catholic nuns certified as radiologic technologists
M Morin Doody1, J S Mandel, M S Linet
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|March 8, 2000
Summary
Catholic nuns exhibit a generally favorable mortality experience compared to the general population, reflecting the "healthy worker effect." However, specific cancer risks, like breast cancer, may be influenced by lifestyle or occupational factors.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous studies indicate distinct mortality patterns among Catholic nuns.
- This study evaluated mortality in nuns within a large occupational cohort of radiologic technologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mortality experience of Catholic nuns.
- To compare their mortality to other female radiologic technologists and the general U.S. population.
Main Methods:
- Identified 1,103 nuns from a cohort of nearly 145,000 radiologic technologists.
- Compared mortality rates using standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and confidence intervals (CI).
Main Results:
- Nuns showed increased risk for stomach cancer, diabetes, and digestive diseases compared to technologists.
- Nuns had reduced mortality from all causes, respiratory diseases, and certain cancers (e.g., lung, cervical) compared to U.S. females.
- An excess breast cancer risk was observed, particularly among nuns certified before 1940, potentially linked to radiation exposure.
Conclusions:
- Nuns' overall mortality is favorable, aligning with the "healthy worker effect."
- Observed cancer patterns may suggest lifestyle or reproductive differences.
- A potential radiation-related increase in breast cancer risk among early-certified nuns warrants further investigation.