Epidemiology of Hodgkin's disease

Hodgkin's disease, although a relatively uncommon malignancy, is one that frequently affects adolescents and young adults. The cure rate is very high; however, treatment for advanced-stage disease with chemotherapy or radiation therapy (or both) can lead to significant immediate and long-term morbidity, and, while rare, increased mortality from the development of secondary malignancies. There have been numerous epidemiologic reports citing a number of factors associated with the increased risk for the development of Hodgkin's disease. Many of these factors are related to environmental, socioeconomic, and genetic conditions. This report describes the development of Hodgkin's disease in two brothers and discusses factors associated with the increased risk of development of Hodgkin's disease, particularly in these cases.