Cancer in US Air Force Veterans of the Vietnam War

Fatema Z. Akhtar, David H. Garabrant, Norma S. Ketchum, Joel E. Michalek

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    106 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Cancer incidence and mortality were summarized in Air Force veterans of the Vietnam War. The index subjects were Operation Ranch Hand veterans who sprayed 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin)-contaminated herbicides in Vietnam. Comparisons served in Southeast Asia during the same period but did not spray herbicides. We assessed cancer incidence and mortality using national rates and contrasted cancer risk in each of three Ranch Hand dioxin exposure categories relative to comparisons. The incidence of melanoma and prostate cancer was increased among white Ranch Hand veterans relative to national rates. Among veterans who spent at most 2 years in Southeast Asia, the risk of cancer at any site, of prostate cancer and of melanoma was increased in the highest dioxin exposure category. These results appear consistent with an association between cancer and dioxin exposure.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)123-136
    Number of pages14
    JournalJournal of occupational and environmental medicine
    Volume46
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Feb 2004

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Cancer in US Air Force Veterans of the Vietnam War'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this