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Living Near Industry May Give Women Cancer

Posted on: Tuesday, 27 September 2005, 06:00 CDT

Women living near heavy industry could have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, according to scientists at Newcastle University.

The researchers released their findings yesterday after surveying 543 women on Teesside.

They found those living within three miles of industrial areas for at least 25 years were 1.8 times more likely to develop lung cancer than women farther away.

The Tees Lung Cancer Case Control Study, one of the most detailed of its kind, was launched to address concerns raised by previous research projects.

Supported by clinicians at James Cook and North Tees University Hospitals, the study looked at 204 women under 80 who had lung cancer and 339 without the disease.

It divided Teesside into zones according to closeness of heavy industry and detailed interviews were conducted with the women on where they had lived throughout their lives, their job history, smoking habits and exposure to passive smoking.

Dr Tanja Pless-Mulloli, of Newcastle University's School of Populations and Health Sciences, said: "The study found a modest link between residential exposure and lung-cancer occurrence.

"However, even in a place like Teesside, the single most important cause of lung cancer was active smoking."

Dr Richard Edwards, who led the research team, said: "Because of the history of previous concerns, health authorities in Teesside should continue to keep a close watch on the incidence of lung cancer to monitor and assess trends."

Source: The Journal - Newcastle-upon-Tyne

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