Epidemiology of leukaemia and lymphoma in children and young adults from the north of England, 1990–2002

Abstract

We aimed to describe and contrast the epidemiology of haematological malignancies among 0-14 and 15-24-year-olds in northern England from 1990 to 2002 and compare clinical trial entry by age group. Incidence rates were examined by age, sex and period of diagnosis and differences were tested using Poisson regression. Differences and trends in survival were assessed using Cox regression. 1680 subjects were included comprising 948 leukaemias and 732 lymphomas. Incidence rates for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were significantly higher for 0-14 compared to 15-24-year-olds, whilst Hodgkin lymphoma showed the reverse. No significant changes in incidence were observed. 60% of leukaemia patients aged 15-24 years entered trials compared to 92% of 0-14-year-olds. Survival rates were significantly lower and improved less markedly over time for 15-24 compared to 0-14-year-olds, particularly for leukaemia. Trial accrual rates need to be improved amongst 15-24-year-olds and a more structured follow-up approach adopted for this unique population.