Mortality Among Children And Young People Who Survive Cancer In Northern Ireland

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Cancer Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood cancer survival rates are excellent.
• However, survivors have an increased risk of mortality from disease recurrence and other causes.
• This study examines cancer patterns, trends, and survival in children and young adults in Northern Ireland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze cancer incidence, trends, and survival rates in individuals aged 0-24 years in Northern Ireland.
• To identify common cancer types and assess survival outcomes and excess mortality.
• To inform ongoing monitoring strategies for childhood cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 21 years (1993-2013) of cancer incidence data from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry.
• Included non-malignant brain tumors for individuals aged 0-24 years.
• Employed Joinpoint regression for trend analysis and Kaplan-Meier method for survival analysis, with standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for excess mortality calculation.

Main Results:

• 2633 cases diagnosed; trends increased but were not statistically significant except in the 15-24 age group.
• Common cancers: brain, eye, central nervous system, and leukemia (0-14 years); skin cancers (15-24 years).
• One-year survival was 90.7%. Significant excess mortality observed at 1 and 5 years post-diagnosis (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Childhood cancer survival is excellent, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring of survivors.
• Preventable skin cancer emerged as a significant issue in the young adult population.
• Findings support the importance of long-term follow-up care and targeted prevention strategies.