Some risk factors and cancer morbidity in the Altai Territory

The paper gives the results of epidemiological studies of total cancer morbidity rates in the areas of the Altai Territory in the past 15 years. Areas of high (more than 400), moderate (300-400), and low (less than 300 per 100000 population) have been identified. The level of pollution of foodstuffs, water, soil, and ambient air with heavy metals, partial combustion products, pesticides, radionuclides, and other carcinogens have been estimated. Whether the territory's dwellers have high Epstein-Barr virus titers has been investigated. The natural climatic factors (ultraviolet, rhadon) of the territory and the spread of tobacco use among its population have been estimated. The impact of total carcinogenic burden on cancer morbidity in the Altai Territory was estimated. The study has established that it is necessary to assess the risk for cancer in each administrative entity from its total burden rather than single, though even very potent factor, and, on this basis, to build a system of preventive measures.