ANALYSIS OF CANCER INCIDENCE AMONG EMPLOYEES OF SIBERIAN GROUP OF CHEMICAL ENTERPRISES

Background . One of the main directions in the field of ensuring radiation safety of “nuclear legacy” facilities is the assessment of radiation effects and most significant radiogenic risks in employees of nuclear enterprises and their descendants. Objective . Analysis of the cancer incidence among employees of the Siberian Group of Chemical Enterprises (SGCE) exposed to ionizing radiation in the course of their professional activities. Material and Methods . The actual values and standardized estimated risks of developing cancer among the SGCE workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation were calculated using generally accepted methods based on the information of the regional medical dosimetry registry of Seversk Biophysical Research Center of FMBA, containing updated data on all SGCE employees diagnosed with cancer (period from 01.01.1950 to 31.12.2015 inclusive). The control group consisted of workers who were not occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Results . Among the male personnel of the SGCE, the highest incidence of cancer of the digestive, respiratory, and skin organs (including melanoma) was observed in patients aged 50–59 and 70–79 years. Among the female workers, the highest cancer incidence was in the age group 40–49 years; cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, genital tract and breast was the most common. The cancer incidence rate in the SGCE workers who occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation was not higher that that observed in the control group. The median age of male cancer patients occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation was significantly lower than the median age of male cancer patients of the control group. In female cancer patients, a significant difference in the median age of cancer diagnosis was found only in relation to skin cancer. Both male and female SGCE personnel occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation was at high risk of certain cancers: among male patients – cancer of the mesothelium and soft tissues, genital organs, eyes and brain, as well as multiple primary tumors; among female patients – cancer of lips, oral cavity, pharynx, digestive system, respiratory system, skin (including melanoma), mesothelium, soft tissues, breast, urinary tract, lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues, as well as multiple primary tumors. Conclusion . The data obtained will allow determination of the main directions for assessing the health risks of personnel of radiation hazardous facilities and the formation of a set of measures aimed at improving the system of protection and improving the health of workers at radiation hazardous enterprises and the extension of their working longevity.