Seabirds--a possible environmental factor in gastric cancer in Newfoundland

Abstract

Because of the high incidence of gastric cancer in fishermen, in seabird catchers, and in regions generally associated with a temperate or cool marine environment, the association of seabirds with gastric cancer risk was investigated regionally in Newfoundland. Cartographic plotting and correlation analyses of 23 individual or combined regions of Newfoundland with respect to M, F or M + F mortality rates showed a close similarity between high risk areas and large seabird aggregations which were in the southeast region of the island. Coastal fish processing plants were also prevalent focal points in this region between fishermen and seabird populations, suggesting that a chemical or viral carcinogen should be sought within this triad of fishermen, seabirds, and fish plants.