Breast cancer incidence in the Techa River Cohort
Author Information
Author(s): Ostroumova E, Preston D L, Ron E, Krestinina L, Davis F G, Kossenko M, Akleyev A
Primary Institution: Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine
Hypothesis
Does low-dose rate environmental exposure increase breast cancer incidence among women in the Techa River Cohort?
Conclusion
The study found a significant linear relationship between breast cancer incidence and radiation dose, with an estimated 12% of cases attributable to radiation exposure.
Supporting Evidence
- 109 breast cancers were diagnosed among TRIC members over 37 years.
- 79% of breast cancers were histologically confirmed.
- 12.4% of observed breast cancers were estimated to be attributable to radiation exposure.
Takeaway
Women living near the Techa River who were exposed to low levels of radiation had a higher chance of getting breast cancer.
Methodology
The study followed 9908 women from the Techa River area from 1956 to 2004, analyzing breast cancer incidence in relation to radiation exposure.
Potential Biases
There is a potential for underascertainment of breast cancers due to the retrospective nature of the follow-up.
Limitations
The study faced challenges in follow-up due to migration and incomplete cancer incidence data outside the catchment area.
Participant Demographics
67% of participants were Slavic, with 42% under 20 years old at the start of exposure.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.80, 12.76
Statistical Significance
p=0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website