ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INCIDENCE OF NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA AND SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET-RADIATION IN ENGLAND AND WALES

Objectives-To examine whether the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in different areas of England and Wales is associated with levels of s olar ultraviolet radiation. Design-Geographically based study examinin g the association between incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and esti mated levels of solar ultraviolet radiation, controlling for social cl ass and employment in agriculture. Setting-59 counties in England and Wales. Subjects-All registered cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during the period 1968-85. Main outcome measure-Age and sex adjusted odds rat io for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in each county. Results-Incidence of non -Hodgkin's lymphoma was significantly associated with solar ultraviole t radiation levels (P<0.001), even after social class and employment i n agriculture were controlled for (P=0.004). In a comparison of counti es in the highest and lowest quarters of solar ultraviolet radiation, the relative risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was 1.27 (95% confidence i nterval 1.24 to 1.29), rising to 1.34 (1.32 to 1.37) after adjustment for social class and employment in agriculture. Conclusions-The incide nce of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in different areas of England and Wales is positively associated with levels of solar ultraviolet radiation. T hese results are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.