Investigation of circular asymmetry in cancer mortality of Hiroshima and Nagasaki A-bomb survivors

Journal Article · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1982 · Radiat. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3575953· OSTI ID:6185977

Peterson, Jr, A V; Prentice, R L; Ishimaru, T; Kato, H; Mason, M

Data on Hiroshima and Nagasaki A-bomb survivors are used to investigate, for each city, possible circular asymmetry in cancer mortality around the hypocenter. Using the Cox regression method and controlling for age ATB, sex, followup year, distance from the hypocenter, and type of shielding, it is found that in Hiroshima cancer mortality was significantly higher in the westerly direction from the hypocenter. Mortality from stomach cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer were higher in the westerly direction. In Nagasaki, only lung cancer exhibited circular asymmetry, and was significantly higher in the westerly direction. For various reasons, the results tend to support the possibility of an asymmetry in radiation dose in Hiroshima, but not in Nagasaki. Also, possible asymmetry in nondose variables associated with cancer is suggested in both cities, particularly in variables associated with lung cancer. Indications for future work and implications for future dose-mortality investigations are discussed.

• Research Organization: Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Hiroshima, Japan
• OSTI ID: 6185977
• Journal Information: Radiat. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res.; (United States) Vol. 93:1; ISSN RAREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
A-BOMB SURVIVORS
ASIA
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
DISEASES
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
DOSES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
HIROSHIMA
HUMAN POPULATIONS
JAPAN
MORTALITY
NAGASAKI
NEOPLASMS
POPULATIONS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOINDUCTION