Temporal and demographic patterns of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence in Pennsylvania

Our study analyzed temporal and demographic patterns of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) incidence in Pennsylvania and compared Pennsylvania time trends with national trends. Joinpoint and age-period-cohort analyses summarized sex- and race-specific NHL incidence time trends between 1985 and 2004. Ecologic analysis identified demographic factors associated with age-adjusted county-specific NHL incidence. NHL incidence in Pennsylvania increased annually: 1.6% and 2.5% in white and black men and 1.6% and 3.2% in white and black women. National trends were similar, except for smaller increases in white men. Diffuse lymphoma appeared to be the major contributor to the increases. NHL incidence was higher in Pennsylvania counties with greater percentages of urban residents. NHL incidence patterns in Pennsylvania were parallel to those seen nationally, with the highest rates occurring in white men and in persons residing in urban areas.