Jin-Su Choi¹, Lianhua Cui¹, and Minho Shin². (1) Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University, 5 Hakdong, Dong-Gu, Gwangju, 501-190, South Korea, +82 62 220 4162, jschoix@chonnam.ac.kr, (2) Department of Preventive Medicine, Seonam University Medical School, 720 Gwangchidong, Namwon, 590-711, South Korea

Background: Radiation is the major risk factor of the thyroid cancer. Regional difference of the incidence of the thyroid cancer is also well known. The possible hazard of the nuclear power plant should be assessed by comparing regional difference of the incidence of cancer.

Methods: The five year cancer registry data in South Korea during 1997 to 2001 were used. The age standardized incidence rate (ASR) of the thyroid cancer and the cancer as a whole and proportional incidence ratio (PIR) of thyroid cancer by county were measured.

Results: The ASR of thyroid cancer were high in a county where a nuclear power plant is located, both in male and female. The ASR of overall cancer was generally similar to the national level. The PIR of thyroid cancer was 3.52 (95% CI 2.08-5.94) in male and 3.12 (95% CI 2.48-3.93) in female.

Conclusion: Approximately three times higher incidence of thyroid cancer in a county with a nuclear power plant should be investigated for the possible causal association.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify a higher incidence of thyroid cancer in a county where a nuclear power plant is located.

Keywords: Cancer, Radiation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.