Critiques of Fukushima Thyroid-Cancer Study

In summary, the article claims that a Fukushima thyroid-cancer epidemic is happening, but the study may be flawed.
  • #1
SpunkyMonkey
66
1
Two weeks ago a study claiming a Fukushima thyroid-cancer epidemic made headline news. The epidemic is being associated with the nuclear disaster. However, the study may be seriously flawed.

Here are two informed critiques (please post more if found):

http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/issues/nuclear/nopetheres-no-thyroid-cancer-epidemic-in-fukushima



A common thesis of critics is that we're looking at a screening bias that artificially inflates cases, and the authors of the study did nothing to control for that bias even though it is expected to follow screening campaigns.

Note: the study is not part of the official Fukushima screening study, although the authors used that screening data. The researchers conducting the screening program believe there is no radiation effect being detected, as stated here and http://www.cancernetwork.com/ata-2015-thyroid-cancer/role-fukushima-radiation-unclear-pediatric-thyroid-cancers. An important little detail media reports overlooked.
 
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  • #3
Yahoo also had a headline this week - Ex-Fukushima nuclear plant worker confirmed to have cancer
http://news.yahoo.com/ex-fukushima-nuclear-plant-worker-confirmed-cancer-110302557.html

It is possible, but it's not clear how it was 'confirmed', unless it is a type of cancer unique to radiation exposure.

TOKYO (AP) — A man in his 40s who worked at the Fukushima nuclear plant after the 2011 disaster is the first person confirmed to have developed cancer from radiation exposure, Japan confirmed Tuesday.
. . . .
He did not work at Fukushima in the weeks after the massive earthquake and tsunami destroyed the plant in March 2011, when radiation levels were the highest. The plant has since been stabilized, except for occasional leaks of contaminated water.

The man had worked at several other nuclear plants before Fukushima, the ministry said. Medical experts could not determine whether his exposure at Fukushima was the direct cause of his leukemia, a ministry official said on condition of anonymity, citing sensitivity of the issue. But his total exposure of 19.8 millisievert was mostly from his work at Fukushima, the official said.
. . . .
Epidemiologists would need more data.
 
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1. What is the Fukushima Thyroid-Cancer Study?

The Fukushima Thyroid-Cancer Study is a long-term study conducted by the Fukushima Medical University in Japan to investigate the potential health effects of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster on the local population. Specifically, it focuses on the incidence of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents who were living in the Fukushima prefecture at the time of the disaster.

2. What are some criticisms of the Fukushima Thyroid-Cancer Study?

Some of the main criticisms of the study include the small sample size, potential bias in participant selection, and the use of a comparison group from a different region. Additionally, some experts have raised concerns about the methodology used to classify and diagnose thyroid cancer cases.

3. How has the Fukushima Thyroid-Cancer Study addressed these criticisms?

The study researchers have acknowledged the limitations of their study and have taken steps to address some of the criticisms. For example, they have expanded the study to include a larger sample size and have adjusted their methodology for classifying thyroid cancer cases. They have also collaborated with other research institutions to compare their findings with other studies.

4. What are the main findings of the Fukushima Thyroid-Cancer Study?

The study has found a significantly higher incidence of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents who were living in the Fukushima prefecture at the time of the nuclear disaster compared to the national average. However, the researchers have noted that this may be due to increased screening and early detection rather than a direct result of radiation exposure.

5. What are the implications of the Fukushima Thyroid-Cancer Study?

The study has sparked further research and debate on the long-term health effects of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. It has also highlighted the importance of addressing potential health risks in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster and the need for ongoing monitoring and support for affected populations.

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