U.S. Agent Orange study finds raised cancer risks

NNN0LHI

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Thu Jan-22-04 03:23 PM
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U.S. Agent Orange study finds raised cancer risks

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N22502504.htm

WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Air Force veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War have a higher-than-average risk of prostate and skin cancer, military researchers reported on Thursday.

The ongoing study of 2,000 Vietnam veterans shows for the first time an elevated risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Previous studies have found increased risks of prostate cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and also diabetes.

"A new analysis of cancer incidence among Air Force veterans of the Vietnam War found increased risks of prostate cancer and melanoma in those who sprayed Agent Orange and other herbicides," the Air Force Surgeon General's office said in a statement.

It does not find the veterans are any more likely to die of these cancers than the general population.

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