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Epidemiology of lymphomas.
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. barisd@exchange.nih.gov
Current Opinion in Oncology
|September 7, 2000
Summary
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) incidence is rising significantly, largely unexplained. Hodgkin Disease (HD) incidence is decreasing, with further research needed for both cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the fifth most common cancer in the US, with incidence rising approximately 3% annually.
- Hodgkin Disease (HD) incidence is lower than NHL and has decreased by about 16% since the 1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in NHL and HD incidence.
- To identify potential causes and risk factors for both cancers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data from 1973 to 1997.
- Reviewed existing data on AIDS-related NHL and potential environmental/genetic factors.
Main Results:
- NHL age-adjusted incidence rates increased by approximately 80% between 1973 and 1997.
- HD incidence has decreased, with minimal misdiagnosis contributing to the decline.
Conclusions:
- The increasing incidence of NHL is largely unexplained, though AIDS-related cases contribute.
- Further research is crucial to understand NHL and HD etiology, including viral, genetic, and environmental factors.