The impact of the Chernobyl accident on the cancers in Finland (CHEFIN)

Aim of the study

The aim of the study is to assess whether there is a detectable increase in various cancer types following the Chernobyl accident in Finland; to test a hypothesis concerning the non-linear, cancer-promoting effect of radiation at low doses, and to develop a database and design of studies of impacts of the Chernobyl accident on the population of Finland.

Implementation

The study design will be a registry-based cohort study using a closed population defined by the place of residence at the time of the Chernobyl accident in 1986. The subjects for the study cohort will be identified based on the residential history from the Central Population Register. Statistics Finland will provide socio-economic variables. The non-individual data will be given to the National Public Health Institute. Exposure assessment is based on measurements of dose rates due to radioactive caesium. Cancers to be considered here include: all sites, lymphomas, child and adult leukaemia, cancers of the ovary, oesophagus, stomach, colon and skin in all ages. Cancer incidence data will be available at the Finnish Cancer Registry through 2006. Underlying differences in cancer incidence in an open population before 1986 will be evaluated.

Dissemination and exploitation of results

The main justification of this study is related to public health importance, rather than increasing knowledge on dose-response.

Collaborators

National Institute for Health and Welfare, University of Kuopio, Finnish Cancer Registry, all in Finland

Timetable

2007–2012

Responsible scientist

Päivi Kurttio

Page updated 07/02/2012