Download National Public Health Service for Wales Press release: A survey of

National Public Health Service for Wales
Press release: A survey of cancer in the vicinity of
Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in North Wales
PRESS RELEASE
A Survey of cancer in the vicinity of Trawsfynydd
nuclear power station in North Wales
The National Public Health Service for Wales has become aware of the recent
publication, (through the website of the Low Level Radiation Campaign and S4C
broadcast Y Byd ar Bedwar, 13 June 2006) of a survey of cancer in the vicinity of
Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station in North Wales, which claims the existence of a
higher level of cancer risk in the area.
The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) has the protection of public
health as a core objective, and wishes to ensure that any investigations of health
concerns employ rigorous professional procedures and standards. In considering
issues relating to radiation and health, the NPHS works in partnership with experts at
the Radiation Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
The NPHS and HPA note with concern that this latest study undertaken by ‘Green
Audit’ has been broadly based upon the methods used for a previous cancer
questionnaire study in Burnham on Sea and has similarly not been the subject of
appropriate ethical and peer review.
This previous study was considered in detail by the independent expert Committee
on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) in 2004, who
concluded that:
“Whilst the Green Audit report was intended to address the concerns of the local
community, and did indeed involve them, it is so deeply flawed that it cannot provide
any reliable information or conclusions about rates of cancer in Burnham on Sea. We
believe it is essential that Green Audit withdraws its report so as not to cause further
unjustified local concern. The community's interest in establishing the facts are not
well served by studies with such deficiencies and it is essential that future studies
should have the highest possible standards of design. We note that the authors
appear neither to have consulted the local NHS Research Ethics Committee nor to
have had the study protocol peer reviewed. If these steps had been taken, the study
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Author: Andrew Jones
Date: 14/06/06
Page: 1 of 3
Status: Final Approved for publication
National Public Health Service for Wales
Press release: A survey of cancer in the vicinity of
Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in North Wales
deficiencies would almost certainly have been pointed out to them. Also Green Audit
should follow normal scientific practice and submit their reports for peer review rather
than releasing their reports themselves without such review. All other scientific
investigators have to follow these rules”.
A full copy of the COMARE statement is available at:
http://www.comare.org.uk/statements/comare_statement_burnham.htm
This latest study on cancer rates in North Wales has the real potential to give rise to
public concern. The NPHS and HPA are therefore very concerned that this previous
advice from COMARE has not been appropriately considered by Green Audit in
undertaking and releasing this latest study.
Such independent professional advice is given to ensure that studies are undertaken
and interpreted appropriately, that communities can have confidence in conclusions
arising from scientific research and to seek to ensure that community health concerns
are not raised unnecessarily.
COMARE have separately pointed out in their 9th Report that considering individual
or small epidemiological studies is not the best way to examine uncertainties due to
the limitations associated with statistical analysis at small area level:
http://www.comare.org.uk/reports/COMARE9thtextprint.pdf
Reliable information on the health of the population living within Gwynedd is
available. Summary information is included in the Gwynedd Local Health Board
(LHB) Health Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy.
Within Wales routine surveillance and monitoring of cancers is undertaken by the
Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (WCISU), who work to strict
standards and liaise closely with clinicians. WCISU routinely publish data at the Local
Health Board Level.http://www.wcisu.wales.nhs.uk
The prevention and treatment of cancer is an important priority for the Gwynedd
Local Health Board. The NPHS is committed to supporting the LHB and its partners
to work with local communities to discuss relevant concerns and address any
uncertainties.
Notes to Editors
This Green Audit study alleges increased risks of adult cancer, notably female adult
cancers in the vicinity of the Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power plant.
1. Specific reliable information, notably in relation to childhood cancers, is available in
relation to populations living in the vicinity of nuclear power establishments. In June
2005 COMARE produced its 10th report. Using a unique database of over 32,000
cases of childhood cancer that occurred in Great Britain between 1969 and 1993,
COMARE studied the incidence of childhood cancer in the vicinity of all the major
licensed nuclear sites in England, Scotland and Wales. The study found no evidence
of excess numbers of cases in any local 25km area around any of the nuclear power
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Author: Andrew Jones
Date: 14/06/06
Page: 2 of 3
Status: Final Approved for publication
National Public Health Service for Wales
Press release: A survey of cancer in the vicinity of
Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in North Wales
stations, including the two installations located in North Wales. Further details can
again be found on COMARE’s website:
http://www.comare.org.uk/press_releases/comare_pr10.htm
http://www.comare.org.uk/documents/COMARE10thReport.pdf
2. A previous study of cancers in the vicinity of the Trawsfynydd and Wylfa nuclear
power installations was reviewed by COMARE in 1994 who found no evidence for
concern. Further information is available from HANSARD 16 June 1994, Col 665-657
3. Information on Screening for Breast Cancer in Wales, can be found from the
website of Screening Services Wales.
http://www.screeningservices.org.uk/btw/index_eng.asp
For further Information please contact Mr Chris Lines, Head of Communications,
NPHS: 07866634077
Ends
Version: 2
Author: Andrew Jones
Date: 14/06/06
Page: 3 of 3
Status: Final Approved for publication