Cancer Risk Near Nuclear Power Plants: New Study Finds Inconsistencies in Previous Research

Strategic Insights -

Recent data from a new report published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention journal has shed light on the relationship between nuclear power plants and cancer risk. The study, conducted by researchers from Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, aimed to estimate the standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and standardized prevalence ratios (SPR) of cancer near a nuclear power plant in Korea. Using data from the National Health Insurance Service from 2006-2020, the researchers found inconsistent results compared to previous studies, highlighting the need for further longitudinal studies with individual-level data and more accurate exposure assessment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found inconsistent results compared to previous studies on cancer risk near nuclear power plants, with previous studies reporting varying results.
  • The researchers used data from the National Health Insurance Service from 2006-2020 to calculate the SIRs and SPRs for all cancers and 17 radiation-related cancer types.
  • The study included a total of 2,369 cancer cases from 2006 to 2020, with a majority of cases being lung, colorectal, and liver cancer.
  • Proximity to the Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant in Gyeongju, Korea, was categorized into five groups, with each group corresponding to a different level of exposure to radiation.
  • The study found no significant increase in cancer risk near the nuclear power plant, with most cancer cases being diagnosed in individuals living farther away from the plant.
  • The researchers concluded that this exploratory study provides information to design further longitudinal studies with individual-level data and more accurate exposure assessment to understand cancer risks near nuclear power plants.

Statistics:

  • 2,369 cancer cases were included in the study from 2006-2020.
  • 55.6% of cancer cases were diagnosed as lung cancer, 20.0% as colorectal cancer, and 12.2% as liver cancer.
  • The study used data from the National Health Insurance Service, a database that covers 99% of the Korean population.
  • Proximity to the Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant was categorized into five groups, with the closest group corresponding to within 1 km of the plant.
  • The study found no significant increase in cancer risk near the nuclear power plant, with most cancer cases being diagnosed in individuals living farther away from the plant.

Sources:

  • Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. "Cancer Incidence and Prevalence in Relation to Proximity to a Nuclear Power Plant in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea." (2025);
  • Sung-Chan Kang et al. "Cancer Incidence and Prevalence in Relation to Proximity to a Nuclear Power Plant in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea." Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2025;34(9):1492-1499;
  • NewsRx. "Recent Findings from Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health Provide New Insights into Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention (Cancer Incidence and Prevalence in Relation to Proximity to a Nuclear Power Plant in ...)." Cancer Weekly, September 16, 2025, p 275.