Limited life-table factors for estimating radiation-induced cancers over finite time periods

A method is presented that allows the estimation of radiation-induced cancer incidence or mortality at varying times post-exposure in irradiated populations of males or females of ages ranging from 10 to 70 yr. Limited life-table factors are given in graphic form for 2 sets of conditions: when the latent period is 2 yr and the plateau 30 yr and when the latent period is 10 yr and the plateau extends to the end of life. Normal incidences for selected forms of cancer are also presented. Examples are given that show how to calculate the radiation excess cancers and to compare this excess with the normal. The implications of these numbers are also discussed.