IONIZING RADIATION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR BREAST CANCER INCIDENCE – GOIÂNIA – BRAZIL POST-ACCIDENT WITH THE CESIUM 137

Leonardo Bastos Lage, Ruffo Freitas-Júnior, Rosangela da Silveira Corrêa, Eliane Eugênia dos Santos, Nilson Clementino Ferreira, Nivaldo Carlos Silva

Institution: UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE GOIÁS – FM


“ABSTRACT Objectives: Assess whether the emergence of new cases of breast cancer is associated with exposure levels to ionizing radiation to which women in Goiania are submitted. The association of the event with socioeconomic status and population density was also evaluated. Methodology: The central region of Goiânia, which houses the seven major accident sources of contamination with Cesium 137, and also the highest incidence rates of breast cancer was defined as the study area. Addresses of women diagnosed with breast cancer were identified between 2001 and 2010 and were also used population data from 2000 and 2010. The data were georeferenced and from census data were estimated and compared gross incidence rates. The spatial correlation groups was observed (clusters) of new cases and from georeferenced radiometric measurements obtained in a previous study, correlations were evaluated between the incidence of gross rates, the ionizing radiation levels, socioeconomic status and population density. Results: The cluster analysis showed a slight spatial correlation of cases of breast cancer in some specific areas. We found virtually no association between the incidence of breast cancer and ionizing radiation and similar results in relation to socioeconomic status and population density. Gross rates were obtained from incidence per 100,000 women, with values between 98 and 42 cases. Conclusion: This study proves the hypothesis that ionizing radiation levels existing in Goiania, are not associated with the emergence of new cases of breast cancer. Also there is no significant association with socioeconomic level and population density. Considering the small number of available studies, further research is needed to assess other risk factors.


Breast câncer, Risk fator, Environmental monitoring, Radiological protection, Health public, Goiânia, Brazil.”