From testing to estimation: the problem of false positives in the context of carcinogen evaluation in the IARC monographs

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention

Volumn 21, Issue 8, 2012, Pages 1272-1281

  Demetriou, Christiana A ^a,b   Straif, Kurt ^c   Vineis, Paolo ^a  

^a IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON   (United Kingdom)

^b CYPRUS INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGY AND GENETICS   (Cyprus)

^c INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER   (France)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

CARCINOGEN; N,N DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE; PARACETAMOL; POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZOFURAN; SACCHARIN; SPIRONOLACTONE;

ARTICLE; CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY; CANCER RESEARCH; CARCINOGENICITY; DISEASE CLASSIFICATION; ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE; FALSE POSITIVE RESULT; MEDICAL SOCIETY; PRIORITY JOURNAL; QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS; QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS; RISK ASSESSMENT;

CARCINOGENICITY TESTS; CARCINOGENS; EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS; FALSE POSITIVE REACTIONS; HUMANS; NEOPLASMS; RESEARCH DESIGN;

EID: 84865012361     PISSN: 10559965     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-12-0276     Document Type: Article

References (73)

1. Boffetta P, McLaughlin JK, La Vecchia C, Tarone RE, Lipworth L, Blot WJ. False-positive results in cancer epidemiology: a plea for epistemological modesty. J Natl Cancer Inst 2008;100:988-95. (Pubitemid 352019795)
2. Taubes G. Epidemiology faces its limits. Science 1995;269:164-9.
3. Ioannidis JP. Why most published research findings are false. PLoS Med 2005;2:e124.
4. Bhopal R. Paradigms in epidemiology textbooks: in the footsteps of Thomas Kuhn. Am J Public Health 1999;89:1162-5. (Pubitemid 29359566)
5. Blair A, Saracci R, Vineis P, Cocco P, Forastiere F, Grandjean P, et al. Epidemiology, public health and the rhetoric of false positives. Environ Health Perspec 2009;117:1809-13.
6. Hernberg S. Introduction to occupational epidemiology. Michigan, MI: Lewis Publishers; 1992.
7. Swaen GM, Meijers JM, Slangen JJ. Risk of gastric cancer in pneumoconiotic coal miners and the effect of respiratory impairment. Occup Environ Med 1995;52:606-10.
8. Swaen GG, Teggeler O, van Amelsvoort LG. False positive outcomes and design characteristics in occupational cancer epidemiology studies. Int J Epidemiol 2001;30:948-54. (Pubitemid 33049019)
9. Clapp RW, Kriebel D. Re: False-positive results in cancer epidemiology: a plea for epistemological modesty. J Natl Cancer Inst 2009;101:211-2.
10. Hansen SF, Krayer von Krauss MP, Tickner JA. Categorizing mistaken false positives in regulation of human and environmental health. Risk Anal 2007;27:255-69. (Pubitemid 46411647)
11. Hill AB. The environment and disease: association or causation? Proc R Soc Med 1965;58:295-300.
12. WHO-IARC. Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans: preamble. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2006.
13. Kirkwood B, Sterne J. Using P-values and confidence intervals to interpret the results of statistical analyses. In: Essential medical statistics. 2nd ed. Massachusetts, MA: Blackwell Science Inc.; 2003. p. 71-9.
14. WHO-IARC. Silica and some silicates. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Vol 42. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987. p. 185-224.
15. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 349-50.
16. WHO-IARC. Carbon black, titanium dioxide and non-asbestiform talc. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Vol 93. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2010. p. 277-413.
17. WHO-IARC. Some thyrotropic agents. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Vol 79. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2001. p. 319-37.
18. WHO-IARC. Surgical implants and other foreign bodies. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Vol 74. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1999. p. 1-409.
19. WHO-IARC. Some aromatic amines, anthraquinones and nitroso compounds, and inorganic fluorides used in drinking water and dental preparations. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Vol 27. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1982. p. 237-303.
20. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 208-2010.
21. WHO-IARC. Solar and ultraviolet radiation. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Vol 55. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1992. p. 1-316.
22. WHO-IARC. Some chemicals that cause tumours of the kidney or urinary bladder in rodents and some other substances. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Vol 73. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1999. p. 401-49.
23. WHO-IARC. Re-evaluation of some organic chemicals, hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Vol 71. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1999. p. 545-74.
24. WHO-IARC. Some organic solvents, resin monomers and related compounds, pigments and occupational exposures in paint manufacture and painting. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 47. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1989. p. 171-97.
25. WHO-IARC. Some chemicals that cause tumours of the kidney or urinary bladder in rodents and some other substances. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 73. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1999. p. 517-624.
26. WHO-IARC. Re-evaluation of some organic chemicals, hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 71. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1999. p. 1189-208.
27. WHO-IARC. Some organic solvents, resin monomers and related compounds, pigments and occupational exposures in paint manufacture and painting. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 47. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1989. p. 1215-56.
28. WHO-IARC. Coffee, tea, mate, methylxanthines and methylglyoxal. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 51. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1991. p. 207-71.
29. WHO-IARC. Some pharmaceutical drugs. IARC Monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 66. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1996. p. 37-96.
30. WHO-IARC. Some thyrotropic agents. IARC Monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 79. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2001. p. 145-59.
31. WHO-IARC. Some antiviral and antineoplastic drugs, and other pharmaceutical agents. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 76. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2000. p. 417-86.
32. WHO-IARC. Man-made vitreous fibres. IARC Monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 81. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2002. p. 1-418.
33. WHO-IARC. Man-made mineral fibres and radon. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 43. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1988. p. 39-171.
34. WHO-IARC. Re-evaluation of some organic chemicals, hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 71. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1999. p. 749-68.
35. WHO-IARC. Some organic solvents, resin monomers and related compounds, pigments and occupational exposures in paint manufacture and painting. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 47. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1989. p. 263-87.
36. WHO-IARC. Re-evaluation of some organic chemicals, hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 71. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1999. p. 829-64.
37. WHO-IARC. Some organic solvents, resin monomers and related compounds, pigments and occupational exposures in paint manufacture and painting. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 47. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1989. p. 79-123.
38. WHO-IARC. Occupational exposures of hairdressers and barbers and personal use of hair colourants; some hair dyes, cosmetic colourants, industrial dyestuffs and aromatic amines. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 57. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1993. p. 43-118.
39. WHO-IARC. Some industrial and cosmetic dyes, and related exposures. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 99. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2010. p. 499-658.
40. WHO-IARC. Non-ionizing radiation, part 1: static and extremely low-frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 80. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2002. p. 1-429.
41. WHO-IARC. Occupational exposures to mists and vapours from strong inorganic acids; and other industrial chemicals. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 54. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1992. p. 189-211.
42. WHO-IARC. Some organic solvents, resin monomers and related compounds, pigments and occupational exposures in paint manufacture and painting. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 47. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1989. p. 330-442.
43. WHO-IARC. Beryllium, cadmium, mercury, and exposures in the glass manufacturing industry. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 58. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1988. p. 239-345.
44. WHO-IARC. Some pharmaceutical drugs. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 24. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1988. p. 211-41.
45. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 330-2.
46. WHO-IARC. Silica, some silicates, coal dust and para-aramid fibrils. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 68. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1997. p. 337-406.
47. WHO-IARC. Occupational exposures to mists and vapours from strong inorganic acids; and other industrial chemicals. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 54. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1992. p. 131-88.
48. WHO-IARC. Wood, leather and some associated industries. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 25. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1981. p. 49-97.
49. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 383-5.
50. WHO-IARC. Some traditional herbal medicines, some mycotoxins, naphthalene and styrene. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 82. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2002. p. 49-97.
51. WHO-IARC. Wood, some industrial chemicals. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 60. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1994. p. 445-74.
52. WHO-IARC. Polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 69. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1997. p. 345-423.
53. WHO-IARC. Wood, leather and some associated industries. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 25. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1981. p. 157-97.
54. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 385-7.
55. WHO-IARC. Polynuclear aromatic compounds, Part 2: carbon blacks, mineral oils (Lubricant Base Oils and Derived Products) and some nitroarenes. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol.33. Lyon, FranceLyon, France: WHO Press; 1984. p. 87-168.
56. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 252-4.
57. WHO-IARC. Wood, leather and some associated industries. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 25. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1981. p. 201-47.
58. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 236-37.
59. WHO-IARC. Some food additives, feed additives and naturally occurring substances. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol.31. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1983. p. 95-132.
60. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 161-5.
61. WHO-IARC. Some aromatic amines, hydrazine and related substances, N-nitroso compounds and miscellaneous alkylating agents. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 4. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1974. p. 159-72.
62. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 227-8.
63. WHO-IARC. Occupational exposures in petroleum refining; crude oil and major petroleum fuels. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 45. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1989. p. 119-58.
64. WHO-IARC. Chlorinated drinking-water; chlorination by-products; some other halogenated compounds; cobalt and cobalt compounds. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 52. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1989. p. 45-141.
65. WHO-IAR C. wood, leather and some associated industries. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 25. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1989. p. 279-92.
66. WHO-IARC. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs Volumes 1 to 42. Supplement 7. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1987a. p. 235-6.
67. WHO-IARC. Wood dust and formaldehyde. IARC Monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 62. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1995. p. 35-215.
68. WHO-IARC. A review of human carcinogens: arsenic, metals, fibres, and dusts. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 100C. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2012. p. 317-53.
69. WHO-IARC. Silica, some silicates, coal dust and para-aramid fibrils. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 68. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 1997. p. 41-242.
70. WHO-IARC. A review of human carcinogens: radiation. IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol 100D. Lyon, France: WHO Press; 2012. p. 35-101.
71. Pearce N, Checkoway H, Kriebel D. Bias in occupational epidemiology studies. Occup Environ Med 2007;64:562-8. (Pubitemid 47195177)
72. Crosignani P. Re: false-positive results in cancer epidemiology: a plea for epistemological modesty. J Natl Cancer Inst 2009;101:212-3.
73. Vineis P. The skeptical epidemiologist. Int J Epidemiol 2009;38:675-7.