Cancer in the Sami population of North Norway, 1970-1997.
The Sami population in North Norway constitutes an ethnic minority with a lifestyle that diverges from that of the rest of the population. A cohort of 19 801 people of Sami origin was followed for cancer incidence over the period 1970-1997 by the Norwegian Cancer Registry. Among the Sami 1340 cases of cancer were observed versus 1658.2 expected, based on a regional reference population. For both sexes a significantly decreased incidence of colon cancer was observed. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for men was 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34-0.71) and for women 0.62 (95% CI 0.43-0.85). Low SIRs were observed for lung cancer: 0.63 (95% CI 0.51-0.77) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.37-0.91), for men and women, respectively. Men of Sami ancestry had a decreased risk of prostate cancer: SIR 0.57 (95% CI 0.45-0.71). Among women 127 cases of breast cancer were observed versus 149.6 expected. A relatively high physical activity and a diet rich in fish may in part explain the low cancer incidence. Some Sami were exposed to radioactivity as a result of their diet based on reindeer products. Adverse effects on their cancer incidence were not observed.
Haldorsen
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Cancer Registry of Norway, Institute of Population-based Cancer Research, Montebello, N-0310 Oslo, Norway. tor.haldorsen@kreftregisteret.no
Tynes
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004032:Diet; D005006:Ethnicity; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology*; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017747:Seafood