This large study will
substantially contribute to
a better understanding of
the risk factors for skin cancer. After Australia and New Zealand,
PaRTERRE - Prospective cohort study on skin cancer and residential radon exposure
Project Leader(s)
Danielle Vienneau , PhD
Main Applicant(s)
Martin Röösli , Associate Professor, PhD
Project Abstract
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that penetrates into buildings from soil. It is well acknowledged that radon is the second common cause of lung cancer after smoking. Recently, some studies found indications that radon may increase the risk for skin cancer. A plausible mechanism would be radon attached toaerosols deposited on the skin similar to inhaled radon into the lung. This study aims to
use radon measurements from 150,000 buildings in Switzerland to build a prediction model for estimating
radon levels in each building in Switzerland. By linking these
predictions to data from the
Swiss National Cohort from
2000 to 2016, we will
evaluate the risk of radon
for malignant melanom
a mortality. In addition,
the link with malignant
and non-malignant
skin cancer
incidence will be
investigated
using Cancer
registry data
from the
French and
Italian part
of Switzerland.
Switzerland is ranking third
worldwide for malignant melanoma
incidence.
Besides UV radiation, radon may also
be a risk factor. Radon levels in
Switzerland are higher than in most
other countries. To know if there is a
link is thus of high public health relevance.
CONTACT
Danielle Vienneau, PhD
Senior Scientific Collaborator
+41 61 284 8398
Project Facts
Category: Research project
Leading Unit: Environmental Exposures and Health
Involved Departments: Epidemiology and Public Health
Contract Status: Ongoing
Financing: Krebsforschung Schweiz
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