Mortality from malignant neoplasms of the respiratory organs in the territories of the Chelyabinsk region affected by radiation accidents

Abstract

Introduction. Mortality from lung cancer is more than 20% of all deaths from malignant neoplasms (MN). The mortality rate from respiratory diseases in the Chelyabinsk region for many years exceeds the average in Russia. There is convincing evidence confirming the increase in mortality from respiratory diseases in the population living in radioactively contaminated areas Materials and methods. The study of mortality from respiratory diseases in two cities: Kasli and Kyshtym, and four districts: Kasli, Argayash, Krasnoarmeysky, and Kunashaksky over a 50-year period from 1947 to 1996. Results. An increase in the mortality in the male and female population from MN of the trachea, bronchi, lungs, and larynx was found. The most significant excess over the control was observed in the population of Kasli, Kyshtym, in Kasli and Argayash districts. During the entire studied period, the male population experienced an increase in mortality at rates exceeding the changes in the control territories. Among the female population, the highest mortality rates both in cities and in districts were recorded in the 1960s - 1970s. In addition to the increase in mortality rates in radioactively contaminated areas in the elderly and old age, an increase in mortality was found at the ages of 30–39, 40–49 years. Limitations. The study period is limited to 1996 due to the inability to collect data for a later period. Conclusion. The mortality rates of the male population from respiratory diseases in the cities of Kasli, Kyshtym, Kasli, and Argayash districts almost constantly exceeded the control values. There is an increase in mortality at young ages: 30–39, 40–49 years. Both men and women have recorded a wave-like nature of mortality, periods of growth, as a rule, following 5–10 years after the next radiation incident.