According to research, Army bomb disposal vets may be at a higher risk of bladder cancer than the general population.
According to a research letter that was published in BJU International as well as at the European Association of urology Annual congress in Madrid, the incidence of bladder carcinoma among British Army veterans who have served in bomb disposal and are under 70 years old may be five-times higher than the general population.
The research team believes that this “raises urgent concerns” regarding occupational exposure to harmful substances.
The study was carried out by a group of researchers from South Wales NHS Trust, University of Birmingham (UWTSD), King’s College London (KCL), University of Glasgow and University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
A survey of approximately 30% (688 of 2,300) veterans who have served in explosive ordnance removal since 1970 revealed a disproportionately higher rate of bladder carcinoma.
Dr Gareth Collett is the lead author of the study and executive director at UWTSD’s Wales Institute for Science and Art. He said, “This research doesn’t focus on blame. It’s more about educating veterans and general practitioners about this issue, protecting those who are still serving and making sure that lessons are learnt.”
Our findings suggest a significant connection between exposure to explosives by ammunition technicians in their career and bladder cancer. A definitive study based upon these findings could result in real changes that save lives.
The findings indicate that members of the ammunition technicians profession are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer if they are regularly exposed to explosives.
Professor Rik Bryan of the Bladder Cancer Research Centre of the University of Birmingham, a coauthor of the study said: “Despite its relatively small size, this study provides a strong indication that there is an increased risk of developing bladder cancer in members of the ammunition technicians profession, who are regularly exposed to explosives.
This risk is so significant that it warrants urgent investigation. A definitive study should be conducted with as many veterans possible.
Dr Collett’s personal experience as a retired British Army Brigadier, and former UK Bomb Disposal Head, inspired the research.
Dr Collett, who was diagnosed with bladder carcinoma in November 2023 and shared his diagnosis on a private Facebook group for retired ammunition technicians and active servicemen, revealed the news to a group of retired and active ammunition technicians.
In a matter of days, the other members of the group also reported similar diagnoses. This led Dr Collett, a team consisting of urologists and epidemiologists and scientists, to investigate whether bladder cancer is more common in the population. The lifetime incidence of the disease is less than 1%.
Dr Collett: “I was diagnosed at 56 years old with bladder cancer. I was an ammunition technical officer in the military for 33 years. I served in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other less-publicised missions around the world.
The immediate assumption by medical professionals was it was heavy smoking’s disease. It was not true for me. My service history, and my frequent visits to the regimental doctor with bouts overactive bladder over the past decade led to the possibility it could be occupationally related.
The ammunition industry was gathering anecdotal information that raised concerns about the possible link between explosives, urological cancers. There was not enough epidemiological data to make the MOD [Ministry of Defence] consider this as a serious issue.
“I decided to gather preliminary and factual evidence by speaking to service charities, professors of Urology, and trade professionals in order to formulate an initial survey epidemiological.” The survey resulted in the standard incidence rates and confidence intervals that were reported in the article, as well as the need for further action.
The authors of the study call for more large-scale studies into the long-term effects of explosive exposure.
The group also calls for a change in military safety regulations relating to the handling and disposal of explosives. They advocate regular screening programmes, low-cost urinalysis testing for early detection, and increased awareness of GPs in dealing with veterans who have been exposed to explosives in their career, especially if there is blood in their urine.
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