Nuclear power stations in the UK do not seem to be linked to risk of childhood cancer, according to a major new study.
The latest study has examined cancer incidence near to nuclear power installations between 1995 and 2016.
Commissioned by the UK Committee on the Medical Aspects of Radiation (COMARE), the research has been carried out by researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Bristol, UK.
The research team examined the geographical spread of nearly 50,000 cases of cancer in children under the age of 14. These cancers include leukaemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, central nervous system cancers and other solid tumours. The researchers say they used advanced statistical modelling to search for signs of increased incidence within 25 kilometres of nuclear power stations.
The team concluded that there was no evidence that children living near nuclear power installations have an increased cancer risk compared to children living elsewhere in Great Britain.
The researchers say that there have been investigations in the UK and Germany over the last 40 years following reports of clusters of childhood cancer around power stations. Studies failed to find links between radiation exposure and cancer risk – although a report from COMARE in 2016 suggested the mingling of populations, associated with migratory workers, might be an explanation.
The findings have been published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
Study leader Dr Bethan Davies, from Imperial College London, said: “As the UK government announces a multibillion-pound investment for new nuclear energy infrastructure, our findings should provide reassurance that the historical clusters of childhood cancers reported near sites such as Sellafield and Dounreay are no longer evident.”
Fellow researcher Professor Mireille Toledano said: “These findings are both timely and important. As the UK and other countries expand their nuclear energy capacity, it’s vital that public health remains a central consideration. It’s reassuring that our study found that the historic case clusters have resolved, but it remains important we continue to monitor public health data around such sites across the UK for any emerging trends of concern.”
Source:
Davies B, Piel FB, Roca-Barceló, Sterrantino, Daby HI, Blangiardo M, Fecht D, de Vocht F, Elliott P, Toledano MB (2025) “Surveillance of childhood cancer incidence around nuclear installations in England, Wales and Scotland: retrospective population study, 1995-2016.” International Journal of Epidemiology, 16 July 2025, doi: 10.1093/ije/dyaf107
Link: https://academic.oup.com/ije/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/ije/dyaf107
Disclaimer: The news stories shared on this site are used as a way to inform our members and followers of updates and relevant information happening in Haematology. The BSH does not endorse the content of news items from external sources, and is not in a position to verify the findings, accuracy or the source of any studies mentioned. Any medical or drugs information is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.
News service provided by Englemed News.