Retrospective analysis of adult mortality from malignant neoplasms of the digestive system in the districts of the Chelyabinsk region affected by radiation accidents in 1940–1960

Abstract

Introduction. Due to the long-term radioactive contamination of the 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. As a result of a number of emergency situations, digestive organs received one of the largest doses of the radiation. Materials and methods. The study of the adult mortality in four districts: Argayashsky, Kaslinsky, Krasnoarmeysky, Kunashaksky was performed over a 50-year period from 1947 to 1996. The following age groups were studied: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and older. Results. An increase in the mortality of adult male and female population from malignant neoplasms of the esophagus, stomach, intestines and “other and unspecified digestive, and peritoneal organs” was found. The greatest differences with the control in all localities, except for malignant neoplasms of the intestine, were observed from the beginning of the 1950s to the end of the 1960s. The peak of mortality from bowel cancer occurs in the 1970s-1980s. Districts differ in the level and trend in mortality: the maximum and earliest gain in mortality was observed in villages located along the river Techa of Argayash and Krasnoarmeysky districts. A later and less pronounced increase in indicators in the Kasli and Kunashak districts is associated with uncontrolled atmospheric emissions in the initial period of the plant’s operation, then the consequences of the 1957 accident and the spread of radioactive dust in 1967. In the Kunashak district, the increase in mortality is of a short-term nature. The main increase in indicators falls on the population over 50 years. Limitations. The study period is limited to 1996 due to the fact that it was not possible to collect more recent data. Conclusion. The adult mortality rate from malignant neoplasms of the digestive organs in four rural areas: Argayashsky, Krasnoarmeysky, Kaslinsky, Kunashaksky significantly exceeds the control indicators. The territories differ significantly in levels and trends in mortality, the highest values were found in the Krasnoarmeysky and Argayashsky districts.