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Lung cancer in Mayak workers.
E S Gilbert1, N A Koshurnikova, M E Sokolnikov
1Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, USA. gilberte@exchange.nih.gov
Radiation Research
|December 31, 2004
Summary
Lung cancer risk in Mayak nuclear workers significantly correlates with plutonium exposure and external radiation dose. Female workers showed higher relative risk, while absolute risk varied with age, highlighting complex dose-response relationships.
Area of Science:
- Radiation epidemiology
- Occupational health
- Nuclear worker health effects
Background:
- The Mayak Production Association cohort provides unique data on plutonium and protracted external dose effects.
- Previous lung cancer risk evaluations in this cohort were limited in size and scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate lung cancer mortality risks in a large cohort of 21,790 Mayak nuclear workers.
- To analyze risks associated with internal plutonium dose and external radiation dose.
- To investigate the modifying effects of gender, attained age, and age at hire on lung cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 655 lung cancer deaths from 1955-2000 in Mayak workers.
- Evaluation of both excess relative risk (ERR) and excess absolute risk (EAR) models.
- Comparison of risk estimates with Japanese A-bomb survivors.
Main Results:
- Lung cancer risks were significantly linked to internal plutonium dose and external dose, adequately described by linear functions.
- For internal dose, females had a higher ERR/Gy than males, but a lower EAR.
- ERR decreased with attained age, while EAR increased until age 65 then decreased.
Conclusions:
- Both internal plutonium dose and external dose are significant risk factors for lung cancer in Mayak workers.
- Gender and age significantly modify lung cancer risk, with distinct patterns for ERR and EAR.
- Ongoing improvements in dose estimation and inclusion of smoking data will enhance future risk assessments.
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