Environmental causes of cancer among Native Americans

Authors: Cobb N
Publication Year: 1996
Last Updated: 2016-02-11 15:04:55
Journal: Cancer
Keywords: Neoplasms, environmental pollution, North American Indians, tobacco, cancer, treatments, smoking, diet, carcinogens

Short Abstract:

Age-adjusted mortality from cancer is steadily increasing among Native Americans, raising concern about environmental causes.  Toxic waste dumps, mining activities, paper mills, military activities, agricultural chemicals, and urban pollution are common sources of carcinogen exposure on reservations and among the urban poor.  Despite documented hazards, we do not see a pattern of cancer excess that might result if Native Americans were exposed to these carcinogens more than other Americans.  Abuse of tobacco can be shown to be the most important contributor to cancer mortality among Native Americans.  

Abstract:

Age-adjusted mortality from cancer is steadily increasing among Native Americans, raising concern about environmental causes. Toxic waste dumps, mining activities, paper mills, military activities, agricultural chemicals, and urban pollution are common sources of carcinogen exposure on reservations and among the urban poor. Despite documented hazards, we do not see a pattern of cancer excess that might result if Native Americans were exposed to these carcinogens more than other Americans. Abuse of tobacco can be shown to be the most important contributor to cancer mortality among Native Americans. Although there are good reasons for environmental regulation and clean-up, the most cost-effective method of cancer prevention is tobacco control.

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Source: Link to Original Article.
Funding:
Code: 202
Source: Na