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Radiophobia as a Confounding Variable in Low-dose Radiation Epidemiology: Reassessing Cancer Risk Near Nuclear Power

Robert B Hayes¹

¹Nuclear Engineering Department, North Carolina State University, 2500 Stinson Road, Raleigh, NC 27695.

|July 9, 2026

Summary

Psychological stress, not just radiation, may link cancer risk near nuclear plants. Future studies must consider fear and risk perception to avoid flawed conclusions on public health and energy policy.

Keywords:

cancer epidemiology low-level nuclear power plant radiation

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Area of Science:

Epidemiology
Psychoneuroimmunology
Public Health

Background:

Recent epidemiological studies suggest a link between cancer incidence and proximity to nuclear power plants.
These studies often neglect the impact of psychological factors like radiophobia and perceived radiation risk.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate the causal mechanism in epidemiological claims regarding nuclear power plants and cancer.
To examine the influence of sustained psychological stress on immune function and disease processes.
To explore how cultural worldviews affect risk perception and potentially bias health outcomes and research findings.

Main Methods:

Analysis of longitudinal data from nuclear accidents.
Review of research in psychoneuroimmunology.
Critical evaluation of existing epidemiological methodologies.

Main Results:

Sustained psychological stress may impact immune function and disease, including cancer.
Cultural and ideological factors can amplify anxiety and bias risk perception.
Radiophobia and perceived risk are significant confounding variables in low-dose radiation epidemiology.

Conclusions:

Future research in low-dose radiation epidemiology must integrate psychosocial variables.
Accurate public health guidance and energy policy require accounting for fear and perceived risk.
Erroneous causal inferences can be prevented by a more holistic research approach.