Tag: Nevada State Cancer Registry

Cancer and a fatiguing illness in Northern Nevada–a causal hypothesis

Abstract:

PURPOSE: We investigated the possibility that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) predisposes to cancer by comparing the cancer pattern in an area in northern Nevada, where an outbreak of a fatiguing illness, which included cases of CFS, was reported, to an area in southern Nevada, where no such illness was reported.

METHODS: Data from the computerized Nevada Cancer Registry were utilized to compare incidence rates of four malignancies–brain cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), lung cancer, and breast cancer–in Washoe and Lyon Counties, where an unexplained fatiguing illness was reported during 1984-86, with comparably sized Clark County, where no such illness was reported.

RESULTS: Higher incidences of NHL and primary brain tumors were noted in the two northern Nevada counties (Washoe and Lyon) in 1986 and 1987 respectively, compared to the southern Nevada (Clark) county. Similar patterns were not seen for breast or lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a model for investigating the possible predisposition of CFS patients to develop cancer using other cohorts, but it is currently premature to accept such a link at this time.

 

Source: Levine PH, Fears TR, Cummings P, Hoover RN. Cancer and a fatiguing illness in Northern Nevada–a causal hypothesis. Ann Epidemiol. 1998 May;8(4):245-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9590603

 

An approach to studies of cancer subsequent to clusters of chronic fatigue syndrome: use of data from the Nevada State Cancer Registry

Abstract:

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been increasingly associated with immune dysregulation, including depressed natural killer cell activity; this phenomenon is associated with increased susceptibility to cancer. Although anecdotal reports have suggested an association between CFS and cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and brain cancer, there has been no a priori justification for evaluating such an association and no consideration of relevant parameters, such as length of latent period vs. tumor type.

We reviewed data from the Nevada State Cancer Registry subsequent to a reported outbreak of a CFS-like illness in Nevada that occurred during 1984-1986. We concentrated on non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and brain/CNS tumors, with particular emphasis on persons 15-34 and 35-54 years of age.

An upward trend in the incidence of brain/CNS tumors, which could be related to a national upward trend for this disease, was noted. No consistent trends were noted for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Because of the difficulties inherent in studies of cancer subsequent to various exposures, we evaluated the methodology for determining an association between outbreaks of CFS-like disease and cancer. We propose several approaches that should be considered in future studies for investigation of possible associations between CFS and cancer, including expected latent periods for specific tumors.

 

Source: Levine PH, Atherton M, Fears T, Hoover R. An approach to studies of cancer subsequent to clusters of chronic fatigue syndrome: use of data from the Nevada State Cancer Registry. Clin Infect Dis. 1994 Jan;18 Suppl 1:S49-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8148453