The New England Bladder Cancer Study

Data from the new cancer atlas covering the period 1974 1994 indicates that deaths from bladder cancer among white men and women are elevated in the northeastern United States, particularly the northern parts of New England. The reason for these elevated rates of incidence of and deaths from bladder cancer is unknown. Only part of the excess risk can be explained by exposure to the textile and leather industries. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that contribute to the high rates of incidence of and death from bladder cancer in northern New England. The main objectives are to: * estimate the risk of developing bladder cancer associated with inorganic arsenic in drinking water, other water contaminants, tobacco use, occupational exposures, residential proximity to industrial sites, dietary factors, ethnicity, and use of wood-burning stoves. * estimate the extent to which water containing inorganic arsenic explains the increased rates of bladder cancer. * estimate the extent to which exposure to other risk factors explains the increased rates. * evaluate risk of bladder cancer according to genetic factors. * examine interactions of these factors with tobacco use, occupational exposure, and environmental exposure to arsenic and other compounds. All people ages 30 79 with confirmed cases of bladder cancer will be eligible for the study. Twelve hundred people with bladder cancer and twelve hundred individuals with no previous bladder cancer will be included. After potential participants are recruited and agreement is obtained over the telephone, they will complete a calendar and collect toenail clippings prior to the home interview. During the home visit, an investigator will administer a computer-assisted personal interview, collect drinking water samples and the clippings, and obtain a global positioning satellite reading. Other biological samples, such as saliva samples, urine, and blood, may be requested. Private wells at any previous homes o