A large nationwide US study found higher cancer mortality in US counties closer to operating nuclear power plants compared to counties further away. The researchers analyzed data from every nuclear facility and every U.S. county between 2000 and 2018. The analysis took into account income, education, smoking, obesity, environmental conditions and access to health care. Even after adjusting for these factors, cancer mortality remained higher in communities closer to nuclear power plants. This difference was particularly pronounced among older adults. The study thus demonstrated a connection between proximity to nuclear power plants and higher cancer mortality.