Massachusetts study finds higher cancer incidence near nuclear power plants
Feb 23rd 2026
A Harvard-led analysis of 2000 to 2018 cancer registry data estimates about 20,600 cases in Massachusetts may be linked to living near nuclear power plants, with risk falling after roughly 30 kilometers.
- Study published Dec. 17 in Environmental Health by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Researchers analyzed Massachusetts Cancer Registry data from 2000 to 2018 by zip code and adjusted for air pollution and sociodemographic factors.
- About 20,600 cancer cases, or roughly 3.3% of cases in the study, were estimated to be attributable to living near a nuclear power plant.
- Estimated cancer risk declined sharply beyond roughly 30 kilometers from a facility.
- Attributable risk generally increased with age.
- Authors note epidemiologic research on nuclear power plant health impacts is limited and international results have varied