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Pasqualino Malandrino - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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increased thyroid cancer incidence in a basaltic Volcanic Area is associated with non anthropogenic pollution and biocontamination
Endocrine, 2016Co-Authors: Pasqualino Malandrino, Marco Russo, S Squatrito, A Ronchi, C Minoia, Daniela Cataldo, Concetto Regalbuto, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, F TrimarchiAbstract:The increased thyroid cancer incidence in Volcanic Areas suggests an environmental effect of Volcanic-originated carcinogens. To address this problem, we evaluated environmental pollution and biocontamination in a Volcanic Area of Sicily with increased thyroid cancer incidence. Thyroid cancer epidemiology was obtained from the Sicilian Regional Registry for Thyroid Cancer. Twenty-seven trace elements were measured by quadrupole mass spectrometry in the drinking water and lichens (to characterize environmental pollution) and in the urine of residents (to identify biocontamination) in the Mt. Etna Volcanic Area and in adjacent control Areas. Thyroid cancer incidence was 18.5 and 9.6/105 inhabitants in the Volcanic and the control Areas, respectively. The increase was exclusively due to the papillary histotype. Compared with control Areas, in the Volcanic Area many trace elements were increased in both drinking water and lichens, indicating both water and atmospheric pollution. Differences were greater for water. Additionally, in the urine of the residents of the Volcanic Area, the average levels of many trace elements were significantly increased, with values higher two-fold or more than in residents of the control Area: cadmium (×2.1), mercury (×2.6), manganese (×3.0), palladium (×9.0), thallium (×2.0), uranium (×2.0), vanadium (×8.0), and tungsten (×2.4). Urine concentrations were significantly correlated with values in water but not in lichens. Our findings reveal a complex non-anthropogenic biocontamination with many trace elements in residents of an active Volcanic Area where thyroid cancer incidence is increased. The possible carcinogenic effect of these chemicals on the thyroid and other tissues cannot be excluded and should be investigated.
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several site specific cancers are increased in the Volcanic Area in sicily
Anticancer Research, 2015Co-Authors: Marco Russo, Pasqualino Malandrino, Walter Pollina Addario, Gabriella Dardanoni, Paolo Vigneri, Gabriella Pellegriti, S Squatrito, Riccardo VigneriAbstract:Background: Worldwide, thyroid cancer incidence is increased in many Volcanic Areas. Whether the incidence of other types of cancers are also increased is not known. Materials and Methods: We analyzed cancer registries covering 82% of the population of Sicily to compare the incidence of 34 site-specific types of cancer in Area around the volcano Mt. Etna (where thyroid cancer is very high) with adjacent non-Volcanic Areas. Differences in crude incidence rate ratios (IRR) between the two Areas were calculated. Results: Considering 72,197 incident cases, thyroid cancer (IRR=1.68 in females and 1.40 in males) and lymphatic leukemia (IRR: females=1.48, males=1.39) were significantly increased in the Volcanic Area in both men and women. Hodgkin's lymphoma, stomach and breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men were also significantly increased in the Volcanic Area. Conclusion: Several, but not all types of cancers are significantly increased in the Volcanic Area of Sicily, indicating that an active Volcanic environment may be a risk factor for cancer other than thyroid cancer.
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papillary thyroid cancer incidence in the Volcanic Area of sicily
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009Co-Authors: Gabriella Pellegriti, Pasqualino Malandrino, Gabriella Dardanoni, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, Florent De Vathaire, Claudia Scollo, S Arena, Francesco Frasca, Francesco VermiglioAbstract:Background The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with Volcanic Areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna Volcanic Area. Methods In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. Results In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, Conclusion Residents of Catania province with its Volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
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Papillary Thyroid Cancer Incidence in the Volcanic Area of Sicily
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009Co-Authors: Gabriella Pellegriti, Pasqualino Malandrino, Gabriella Dardanoni, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, Florent De Vathaire, Claudia Scollo, S Arena, Francesco Frasca, Francesco VermiglioAbstract:BACKGROUND: The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with Volcanic Areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna Volcanic Area. METHODS: In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, < or = 10 mm) and ratio of men to women with thyroid cancer were similar in all nine Sicilian provinces, thyroid cancer incidence was statistically significantly higher in the province of Catania (among women, ASR(w) = 31.7, 95% CI = 29.1 to 34.3; and among men, ASR(w) = 6.4, 95% CI = 5.2 to 7.5) than in the rest of Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 14.1, 95% CI = 13.2 to 15.0; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.6 to 3.4) (all P values < .001). Incidence of papillary, but not follicular or medullary, cancers was statistically significantly increased in Catania province, and papillary tumors from patients in Catania more frequently carried the BRAF V600E gene mutation (55 [52%] of 106 tumors) than tumors from patients elsewhere in Sicily (68 [33%] of 205 tumors) (relative risk = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.8, P = .02). Cancer incidence was statistically significantly lower in rural Areas than in urban Areas of Sicily (P = .003). No association with mild iodine deficiency or industrial installations was found. Levels of many elements (including boron, iron, manganese, and vanadium) in the drinking water of Catania province often exceeded maximum admissible concentrations, in contrast to water in the rest of Sicily. CONCLUSION: Residents of Catania province with its Volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
Yi Xu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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seismic structure beneath the tengchong Volcanic Area southwest china from receiver function analysis
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 2018Co-Authors: Yi Xu, Xuelei Li, Sheng WangAbstract:Abstract Tengchong is a young Volcanic Area on the collision boundary between the Indian and Euro-Asian plates of the southeastern Tibetan margin. Holocene volcanoes are concentrated in the Tengchong basin, where they align an N-S trending string-like cluster. To study the magma activity and its relation with the volcanoes, we deployed a passive seismic observation across the Volcanic Area in northern Tengchong. Using tele-seismic data and receiver function technique, we determined the S-wave velocity structure beneath nine temporary stations. Results show that the Tengchong basin is underlain by prominent low-velocity zones that are associated with the magma chambers of the volcanoes. In the north, a small and less pronounced magma chamber lies beneath two crater lakes, with a depth range of 9–16 km and a lateral width of
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seismic structure of the tengchong Volcanic Area southwest china from local earthquake tomography
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 2012Co-Authors: Yi Xu, Xiaotao Yang, Zhiwei LiAbstract:article i nfo WeperformedalocalearthquaketomographytoimagethecrustoftheTengchongVolcanicAreainsouthwestern China, using P-wave arrival data from a temporary network and permanent stations. The objective is to deter- mine the magma sources of the Volcanic Area and the seismic structure of two M>7 earthquakes in the Longling Area south of Tengchong. The result reveals a correlation between the velocity structures and the Volcanic activ- ities from late Miocene to Holocene. A prominent low-velocity zone is observed beneath the central Volcanic Area, that is cored at 10-20 km depths and extends down to 30 km depth, with a lateral extent of 20-30 km. We infer that this unusual low-velocity zone represents a magma source of the heat flows for the Volcanic erup- tion during Pleistocene and Holocene. Close to it, a high-velocity zone appears beneath the eastern Volcanic Area and itislikelyto reflect solidifiedmagma intrusionsand high-densityremnants withinthe cooled Volcanicchan- nel prior toPleistocene.In the M>7 earthquake Area, theuppercrustalstructureshows evidentvariationsacross the Longling fault and the Nu River fault. Bounded by the two fault zones, the Gaoligong metamorphic belt and the Baoshan block are imaged by high velocities that are consistent with their high strength in the structures; on the contrary, low velocities are imaged in the Area between the Longling fault and the Nu River fault, implying a decreaseof the strength probably caused byigneous intrusions.Itwas thelateral variation intherheologic struc- ture that led to the uneven stress accumulations across these fault zones and created tectonic conditions for the seismic ruptures of the two M>7 earthquakes in the Longling Area.
Francesco Vermiglio - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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papillary thyroid cancer incidence in the Volcanic Area of sicily
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009Co-Authors: Gabriella Pellegriti, Pasqualino Malandrino, Gabriella Dardanoni, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, Florent De Vathaire, Claudia Scollo, S Arena, Francesco Frasca, Francesco VermiglioAbstract:Background The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with Volcanic Areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna Volcanic Area. Methods In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. Results In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, Conclusion Residents of Catania province with its Volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
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Papillary Thyroid Cancer Incidence in the Volcanic Area of Sicily
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009Co-Authors: Gabriella Pellegriti, Pasqualino Malandrino, Gabriella Dardanoni, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, Florent De Vathaire, Claudia Scollo, S Arena, Francesco Frasca, Francesco VermiglioAbstract:BACKGROUND: The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with Volcanic Areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna Volcanic Area. METHODS: In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, < or = 10 mm) and ratio of men to women with thyroid cancer were similar in all nine Sicilian provinces, thyroid cancer incidence was statistically significantly higher in the province of Catania (among women, ASR(w) = 31.7, 95% CI = 29.1 to 34.3; and among men, ASR(w) = 6.4, 95% CI = 5.2 to 7.5) than in the rest of Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 14.1, 95% CI = 13.2 to 15.0; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.6 to 3.4) (all P values < .001). Incidence of papillary, but not follicular or medullary, cancers was statistically significantly increased in Catania province, and papillary tumors from patients in Catania more frequently carried the BRAF V600E gene mutation (55 [52%] of 106 tumors) than tumors from patients elsewhere in Sicily (68 [33%] of 205 tumors) (relative risk = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.8, P = .02). Cancer incidence was statistically significantly lower in rural Areas than in urban Areas of Sicily (P = .003). No association with mild iodine deficiency or industrial installations was found. Levels of many elements (including boron, iron, manganese, and vanadium) in the drinking water of Catania province often exceeded maximum admissible concentrations, in contrast to water in the rest of Sicily. CONCLUSION: Residents of Catania province with its Volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
Carla Giordano - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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increased thyroid cancer incidence in a basaltic Volcanic Area is associated with non anthropogenic pollution and biocontamination
Endocrine, 2016Co-Authors: Pasqualino Malandrino, Marco Russo, S Squatrito, A Ronchi, C Minoia, Daniela Cataldo, Concetto Regalbuto, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, F TrimarchiAbstract:The increased thyroid cancer incidence in Volcanic Areas suggests an environmental effect of Volcanic-originated carcinogens. To address this problem, we evaluated environmental pollution and biocontamination in a Volcanic Area of Sicily with increased thyroid cancer incidence. Thyroid cancer epidemiology was obtained from the Sicilian Regional Registry for Thyroid Cancer. Twenty-seven trace elements were measured by quadrupole mass spectrometry in the drinking water and lichens (to characterize environmental pollution) and in the urine of residents (to identify biocontamination) in the Mt. Etna Volcanic Area and in adjacent control Areas. Thyroid cancer incidence was 18.5 and 9.6/105 inhabitants in the Volcanic and the control Areas, respectively. The increase was exclusively due to the papillary histotype. Compared with control Areas, in the Volcanic Area many trace elements were increased in both drinking water and lichens, indicating both water and atmospheric pollution. Differences were greater for water. Additionally, in the urine of the residents of the Volcanic Area, the average levels of many trace elements were significantly increased, with values higher two-fold or more than in residents of the control Area: cadmium (×2.1), mercury (×2.6), manganese (×3.0), palladium (×9.0), thallium (×2.0), uranium (×2.0), vanadium (×8.0), and tungsten (×2.4). Urine concentrations were significantly correlated with values in water but not in lichens. Our findings reveal a complex non-anthropogenic biocontamination with many trace elements in residents of an active Volcanic Area where thyroid cancer incidence is increased. The possible carcinogenic effect of these chemicals on the thyroid and other tissues cannot be excluded and should be investigated.
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papillary thyroid cancer incidence in the Volcanic Area of sicily
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009Co-Authors: Gabriella Pellegriti, Pasqualino Malandrino, Gabriella Dardanoni, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, Florent De Vathaire, Claudia Scollo, S Arena, Francesco Frasca, Francesco VermiglioAbstract:Background The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with Volcanic Areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna Volcanic Area. Methods In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. Results In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, Conclusion Residents of Catania province with its Volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
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Papillary Thyroid Cancer Incidence in the Volcanic Area of Sicily
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009Co-Authors: Gabriella Pellegriti, Pasqualino Malandrino, Gabriella Dardanoni, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, Florent De Vathaire, Claudia Scollo, S Arena, Francesco Frasca, Francesco VermiglioAbstract:BACKGROUND: The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with Volcanic Areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna Volcanic Area. METHODS: In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, < or = 10 mm) and ratio of men to women with thyroid cancer were similar in all nine Sicilian provinces, thyroid cancer incidence was statistically significantly higher in the province of Catania (among women, ASR(w) = 31.7, 95% CI = 29.1 to 34.3; and among men, ASR(w) = 6.4, 95% CI = 5.2 to 7.5) than in the rest of Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 14.1, 95% CI = 13.2 to 15.0; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.6 to 3.4) (all P values < .001). Incidence of papillary, but not follicular or medullary, cancers was statistically significantly increased in Catania province, and papillary tumors from patients in Catania more frequently carried the BRAF V600E gene mutation (55 [52%] of 106 tumors) than tumors from patients elsewhere in Sicily (68 [33%] of 205 tumors) (relative risk = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.8, P = .02). Cancer incidence was statistically significantly lower in rural Areas than in urban Areas of Sicily (P = .003). No association with mild iodine deficiency or industrial installations was found. Levels of many elements (including boron, iron, manganese, and vanadium) in the drinking water of Catania province often exceeded maximum admissible concentrations, in contrast to water in the rest of Sicily. CONCLUSION: Residents of Catania province with its Volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
Marco Attard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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increased thyroid cancer incidence in a basaltic Volcanic Area is associated with non anthropogenic pollution and biocontamination
Endocrine, 2016Co-Authors: Pasqualino Malandrino, Marco Russo, S Squatrito, A Ronchi, C Minoia, Daniela Cataldo, Concetto Regalbuto, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, F TrimarchiAbstract:The increased thyroid cancer incidence in Volcanic Areas suggests an environmental effect of Volcanic-originated carcinogens. To address this problem, we evaluated environmental pollution and biocontamination in a Volcanic Area of Sicily with increased thyroid cancer incidence. Thyroid cancer epidemiology was obtained from the Sicilian Regional Registry for Thyroid Cancer. Twenty-seven trace elements were measured by quadrupole mass spectrometry in the drinking water and lichens (to characterize environmental pollution) and in the urine of residents (to identify biocontamination) in the Mt. Etna Volcanic Area and in adjacent control Areas. Thyroid cancer incidence was 18.5 and 9.6/105 inhabitants in the Volcanic and the control Areas, respectively. The increase was exclusively due to the papillary histotype. Compared with control Areas, in the Volcanic Area many trace elements were increased in both drinking water and lichens, indicating both water and atmospheric pollution. Differences were greater for water. Additionally, in the urine of the residents of the Volcanic Area, the average levels of many trace elements were significantly increased, with values higher two-fold or more than in residents of the control Area: cadmium (×2.1), mercury (×2.6), manganese (×3.0), palladium (×9.0), thallium (×2.0), uranium (×2.0), vanadium (×8.0), and tungsten (×2.4). Urine concentrations were significantly correlated with values in water but not in lichens. Our findings reveal a complex non-anthropogenic biocontamination with many trace elements in residents of an active Volcanic Area where thyroid cancer incidence is increased. The possible carcinogenic effect of these chemicals on the thyroid and other tissues cannot be excluded and should be investigated.
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papillary thyroid cancer incidence in the Volcanic Area of sicily
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009Co-Authors: Gabriella Pellegriti, Pasqualino Malandrino, Gabriella Dardanoni, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, Florent De Vathaire, Claudia Scollo, S Arena, Francesco Frasca, Francesco VermiglioAbstract:Background The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with Volcanic Areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna Volcanic Area. Methods In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. Results In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, Conclusion Residents of Catania province with its Volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
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Papillary Thyroid Cancer Incidence in the Volcanic Area of Sicily
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009Co-Authors: Gabriella Pellegriti, Pasqualino Malandrino, Gabriella Dardanoni, Carla Giordano, Marco Attard, Florent De Vathaire, Claudia Scollo, S Arena, Francesco Frasca, Francesco VermiglioAbstract:BACKGROUND: The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with Volcanic Areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna Volcanic Area. METHODS: In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, < or = 10 mm) and ratio of men to women with thyroid cancer were similar in all nine Sicilian provinces, thyroid cancer incidence was statistically significantly higher in the province of Catania (among women, ASR(w) = 31.7, 95% CI = 29.1 to 34.3; and among men, ASR(w) = 6.4, 95% CI = 5.2 to 7.5) than in the rest of Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 14.1, 95% CI = 13.2 to 15.0; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.6 to 3.4) (all P values < .001). Incidence of papillary, but not follicular or medullary, cancers was statistically significantly increased in Catania province, and papillary tumors from patients in Catania more frequently carried the BRAF V600E gene mutation (55 [52%] of 106 tumors) than tumors from patients elsewhere in Sicily (68 [33%] of 205 tumors) (relative risk = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.8, P = .02). Cancer incidence was statistically significantly lower in rural Areas than in urban Areas of Sicily (P = .003). No association with mild iodine deficiency or industrial installations was found. Levels of many elements (including boron, iron, manganese, and vanadium) in the drinking water of Catania province often exceeded maximum admissible concentrations, in contrast to water in the rest of Sicily. CONCLUSION: Residents of Catania province with its Volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
