Mortality from malignant neoplasms of the digestive system in the cities of the Chelyabinsk region affected by radiation accidents

Abstract

Introduction. Due to the long-term radioactive contamination of a part of the territory of the Chelyabinsk region, much attention is paid to the analysis of the health status of the population. One of the adverse effects of radiation is the occurrence of neoplasms. The highest doses of radiation as a result of many emergencies were received by the digestive organs. Material and methods. The study of adult mortality in the cities Kasli and Kyshtym over 50 years from 1947 to 1996. The following age groups were studied: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 years, and older. Results. An increase in the mortality rate from malignant neoplasms of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other digestive organs in the adult population over 50 years was found. The growth of indices has been observed since 1952. The maximum mortality values from esophageal and gastric ulcers were recorded from 1962 to 1971, from intestinal ulcers from 1972 to 1981. Several waves of increasing mortality were recorded: in the early 50s, after 1957, after 1967, in the late 70’s - early 80‘s of the XX century. The increase in mortality from malignant neoplasms of the digestive organs of all localities in the studied cities among women and people of the elderly (60-69 yrs) and (70 yrs and older) age, as a rule, began five years earlier. Among the population under 50 years of age, differences in cancer mortality from control values were poorly expressed. Conclusion. Mortality rates from malignant neoplasms of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other unspecified digestive organs in the adult population, especially in the ages of 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and older, in the cities of Kasli and Kyshtym in some periods significantly exceed the control values.