RISK-FACTORS AND EARLY DETECTION OF LUNG-CANCER IN A COHORT OF CHINESE TIN MINERS

PURPOSE: To examine risk factors and establish a biologic specimen and data bank for the study of early markers of lung cancer. METHODS: We designed a dynamic cohort using an ongoing lung cancer screening progr am among radon-and arsenic-exposed tin miners in Yunnan China. Through the first four years of the study, 8,346 miners aged 40 years and old er with over 10 years of occupational exposure have been enrolled, ris k factors have been assessed, annual sputum and chest radiographs have been obtained, and numerous biologic specimens have been collected. R ESULTS: A total of 243 new lung cancer cases have been identified thro ugh 1995. Radon and arsenic exposures are the predominant risk factors , but lung cancer risk is also associated with chronic bronchitis and silicosis, as well as a number of measures of exposure to tobacco smok e, including early age of first use, duration, and cumulative exposure . Tumor and sputum samples are being examined for early markers of lun g cancer. CONCLUSION: A cohort of occupationally-exposed tin miners wi th an extensive biologic specimen repository has been successfully est ablished to simultaneously study the etiology and early detection of l ung cancer. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.