Arsenic Exposure and Skin Cancer Risk in New Hampshire
Author Information
Author(s): Katie M. Applebaum, Margaret R. Karagas, David J. Hunter, Paul J. Catalano, Steven H. Byler, Steve Morris, Heather H. Nelson
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Do polymorphisms in nucleotide excision repair genes modify the association between arsenic exposure and non-melanoma skin cancer?
Conclusion
The study suggests that certain genetic variants may reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in relation to arsenic exposure.
Supporting Evidence
- High arsenic exposure was linked to increased basal cell carcinoma risk among those with specific genetic variants.
- The study included 880 cases of basal cell carcinoma and 666 cases of squamous cell carcinoma.
- Participants were matched on age and sex to ensure a representative control group.
Takeaway
This study looked at how some people's genes might change their risk of getting skin cancer from arsenic in drinking water.
Methodology
The study involved identifying skin cancer cases through dermatologists and pathology labs, with controls matched by age and sex, and measuring arsenic exposure through toenail clippings.
Potential Biases
Potential reporting biases were minimized by blinding interviewers and participants to case-control status.
Limitations
The study is limited by its reliance on toenail arsenic as a single point measure of exposure.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily Caucasian, aged 25 to 74, with a majority being male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.07
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.9–3.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.07
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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