The mortality and cancer experience of New Zealand Vietnam war veterans: a cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim was to observe the patterns of mortality and cancer incidence in New Zealand Vietnam veterans. The objectives were to assess whether the patterns of disease observed were consistent with those associated with military service in Vietnam, and similar to the patterns identified in other groups of Vietnam veterans.

Design

A historical cohort study.

Setting

Veterans, identified from service records, with Vietnam service between 1964 and 1972.

Participants

Of the 3322 survivors of Vietnam service, we followed up 2783 (84%).

Outcome measures

Standardised mortality and incidence ratios (SMRs and SIRs, respectively) were calculated based on the number of deaths and cancer registrations observed, those expected being based on New Zealand nation

SUBMITTER: McBride D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3773658 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature