Authors / CoAuthors
Benger, S. | Lech, M.E.
Abstract
Objectives To determine whether there are patterns in cancer occurrence in NSW which might be related to geological setting, in particular the occurrence of elevated uranium in granites. Methods The full cancer record of the top 10 cancers for NSW for the period 1974-2003 was obtained from the NSW Cancer Registry, along with Census data from the ABS, and geological data from Geoscience Australia. Geostatistical methods were used to predict the spatial distribution of radiogenic granites across NSW. Analyses were carried out in ArcGIS to map 1) the spatial distribution of cancer occurrence by Statistical Local Area (SLA), 2) relate it to census data for the determination of Standardised Morbidity Ratios, and 3) calculate a range of spatial statistics to determine local and global spatial autocorrelation and hotspots. SatScan statistical cluster analysis software was used to analyse the distribution of common ingestion related cancers, excluding lung cancer, using a Poisson spatial model. Results The spatial statistical analysis in ArcGIS indicates the presence of strong autocorrelation in cancer incidence in south-eastern NSW as well as high clustering in the data. The SatScan analysis identified primary clusters in the Hunter Valley, western Sydney and south-eastern NSW. The Hunter Valley and western Sydney clusters are most likely due to industrial exposure, but this is unlikely for south-eastern NSW. Elevated uranium in granites occurs primarily in south-eastern NSW and to a lesser extent in northern NSW. Conclusion Results indicate a potential correlation exists between highly radiogenic granite bodies and elevated rates of cancer incidence, although it is difficult to ascertain exposure modes and the influence of other confounders such as exposure to agricultural chemicals, nitrates in drinking water and lifestyle effects.
Product Type
nonGeographicDataset
eCat Id
64871
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Custodian
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Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
ACT
2601
Australia
Keywords
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- External PublicationAbstract
- ( Theme )
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- geohealth
- ( Theme )
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- geohazards
- ( Theme )
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- environmental
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- AU-NSW
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Earth Sciences
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- Published_Internal
Publication Date
2006-01-01T00:00:00
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geoscientificInformation
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[-37.0, -28.78, 140.88, 153.2]
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