Qld: ABC workers to move out of cancer scare office=2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2006
Qld: ABC workers to move out of cancer scare office=2

Eds: Removes error in last par, thus removing the word "conducted"

The review, chaired by Sydney University public health professor Bruce Armstrong, concluded
it would have been reasonable for 1.6 women in the studio to have suffered breast cancer,
but the prevalence could not be due to a statistical abnormality.

It found women who worked for the broadcaster in Brisbane were between three and 11
times more likely to suffer breast cancer.

The report ruled out a number of lifestyle and environmental factors, but was unable
to pinpoint the cause.

The women did not have a higher level of personal risk factors, as all did significant
amounts of exercise, were non-smokers and none had a family history of cancer.

The investigation also tested radiation levels in the building and ruled that out as the cause.

An ABC reporter who attended the meeting with Mr Scott said about 250 people worked
at the studio.

Staff in the newsroom, where the concentration of cancer was highest, would move out
today, she said.

Most would probably work temporarily at the Ten Network and Network Seven's newsrooms.

Staff at other programs such as Australian Story and Landline would be moved to a temporary
location in coming days, she said.

"When Mark Scott, the managing director, handed down the report, there were a number
of women who were crying," the reporter said.

"A combination of emotions for the people they know, the women who have had breast
cancer, and of course for these young girls in their early 30s who are now concerned that
they might have ... breast cancer because they've worked there."

AAP jb/sb/goc/jlw/

KEYWORD: BREAST 2 BRISBANE (REISSUES)

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