Cancer risks in second-generation immigrants to Sweden
1Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden. kari.hemminki@cnt.ki.se
International Journal of Cancer
|April 30, 2002
Summary
Cancer risk in descendants of European and North American immigrants in Sweden varied by country of origin. Birth in Sweden by age 20 established a Swedish cancer incidence pattern, regardless of immigrant background.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Understanding cancer risk in immigrant populations and their descendants is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies suggest genetic and environmental factors influence cancer incidence across different ethnic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cancer risks in Sweden-born descendants of immigrants from European and North American countries.
- To compare cancer incidence in these descendants with native Swedes.
- To investigate the influence of early-life environment and generation status on cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Swedish Family-Cancer Database, including nearly 600,000 descendants (0-66 years old) of immigrants.
- Calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 17 cancer sites.
- Used native Swedes as the reference population for comparison.
Main Results:
- Overall cancer incidence was marginally lower in offspring of immigrant origin compared to native Swedes.
- Specific cancer sites showed varied risks: decreased breast cancer (Norwegian descendants), melanoma (Hungarian fathers), ovarian/bladder cancer (Finnish mothers).
- Increased risks observed for cervical cancer (Danish fathers), thyroid cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (Yugoslav/Asian descent offspring).
Conclusions:
- Cancer incidence patterns in descendants often reflect those of their parents' countries of origin.
- Early life exposure (first two decades) and birth in Sweden are critical in establishing cancer risk patterns.
- Immigration after age 20 does not alter the cancer incidence pattern imprinted by early-life environment.
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