A case-control study of cancer risk factors in the Alaskan Arctic: responding to village concern about environmental radiation.

In response to community concern and documented excessive recent cancer incidence in the Alaskan arctic village of Point Hope and despite the small population size, a case-control study was undertaken to help gain clues as to the cause of cancer in this remote village. Residents diagnosed with cancer from 1969 to 1994, who could be interviewed concerning cancer risk factors, were matched with resident controls. Residence in Point Hope in 1962 (odds ratio = 17.31, 95% confidence limits = [1.69, 179.4]) was the only significant cancer risk factor detected. All other risk factors related to the environment, diet, occupation, family and social history were unremarkable. Residence in this village over 30 years ago may be a key link to the cause of cancer in Point Hope.