Cancer in the offspring of female radiation workers
Author Information
Author(s): K J Bunch, C R Muirhead, G J Draper, N Hunter, G M Kendall, J A O'Hagan, M A Phillipson, T J Vincent, W Zhang
Primary Institution: University of Oxford, Childhood Cancer Research Group
Hypothesis
Are the offspring of women radiation workers exposed to ionising radiation before conception at an increased risk of childhood cancer?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence of an increased risk of childhood cancer associated with maternal preconception radiation work.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included an additional 16,964 childhood cancer patients and matched controls.
- Relative risks for maternal employment as a radiation worker were calculated.
- The new data do not support earlier findings of increased risk.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether kids of moms who worked with radiation before they were born get more cancer. It found that they don't.
Methodology
The study used record linkage between the National Registry of Childhood Tumours and the National Registry for Radiation Workers to assess cancer risk.
Potential Biases
The record linkage process was undertaken blind to avoid bias.
Limitations
The evidence is limited by the small numbers of linked cases and controls.
Participant Demographics
The study included mothers of 16,964 childhood cancer cases and matched controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.07
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.84–4.58
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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