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Population-based survival of children in New Zealand diagnosed with cancer during 1990-1993

N M Douglas1, J D Dockerty

  • 1Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|June 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Childhood cancer survival in New Zealand improved significantly by 1990-1993, with a 5-year survival rate of 66% for all cancers. However, outcomes varied greatly by cancer type, and girls had a lower risk of death than boys.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Epidemiology
  • Cancer Survival Rates

Background:

  • Childhood cancer survival rates have historically varied, with significant improvements noted over recent decades.
  • Understanding survival trends and prognostic factors is crucial for improving pediatric cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the survival of New Zealand children (0-14 years) diagnosed with cancer between 1990-1993.
  • To identify prognostic factors influencing survival in pediatric cancer patients.
  • To compare survival outcomes with earlier periods.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 409 children diagnosed with cancer between 1990-1993.
  • Employed Kaplan-Meier survival probability calculations.
  • Investigated prognostic factors using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Main Results:

  • The overall 5-year survival rate for childhood cancers was 66% (CI 62-71%).
  • Specific cancers showed high survival: retinoblastoma (100%), Hodgkin's disease (93%), osteosarcoma (91%), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (87%).
  • Cancers with poorer prognoses included neuroblastoma (35%), rhabdomyosarcoma (42%), and central nervous system tumors (49%). Girls had a lower risk of death than boys.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood cancer survival in New Zealand saw substantial improvement between 1961-1965 and 1990-1993.
  • Despite overall progress, survival outcomes for certain pediatric cancers remain a concern.
  • Further research into improving outcomes for less survivable childhood cancers is warranted.

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