A procedure for investigating cancer cluster reports.
Cancer clusters are described as epidemiologic leads to environmental determinants of cancer. A historical perspective of cancer cluster reports is offered with comments on the various investigative methods. A specific, systematic protocol for responding to cancer cluster reports is offered with a detailed example. Suggestions for decision making and comments on statistical analysis are also offered. Emphasis is placed on the participant interview and on the use of non-case data.
D003710:Demography; D004777:Environment; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012306:Risk; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires