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Space-time clustering of childhood leukemia in Colombia: a nationwide study
Laura Andrea Rodriguez-Villamizar1, Marcela Pilar Rojas Díaz2, Lizbeth Alexandra Acuña Merchán3
1Carrera 32 29-31 Of. 301 Facultad de Salud, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia. laurovi@uis.edu.co.
Insights
Childhood leukemia clusters in specific regions of Colombia, indicating potential shared causes. This study analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of pediatric leukemia cases from 2009-2017.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Spatial Analysis
Background:
- Childhood leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer.
- Colombia has one of the highest childhood leukemia incidence rates in the Americas.
- The spatial distribution of childhood leukemia in Colombia is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate space-time clustering of childhood leukemia in Colombia.
- To identify geographical areas and time periods with increased risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the national cancer surveillance system (2009-2017).
- Included children under 15 with confirmed acute leukemia diagnoses.
- Applied Kulldorff's spatio-temporal scan statistics for analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified 3846 cases of childhood leukemia.
- Observed a mean incidence rate of 33 per million person-years (ages 0-14).
- Detected five distinct spatial clusters and temporal clustering within the study period.
Conclusions:
- Childhood leukemia exhibits significant space-time clustering in Colombia.
- Findings suggest potential common etiologic factors or environmental conditions requiring further investigation.
Background:
Leukemia is the most common cancer in childhood. The estimated incidence rate of childhood leukemia in Colombia is one of the highest in America and little is known about its spatial distribution.
Purpose:
To explore the presence of space-time clustering of childhood leukemia in Colombia.
Methods:
We included children less than 15 years of age with confirmed diagnosis of acute leukemia reported to the national surveillance system for cancer between 2009 and 2017. Kulldorff's spatio-temporal scan statistics were used with municipality and year of diagnosis as units for spatial and temporal analysis.
Results:
There were 3846 cases of childhood leukemia between 2009 and 2017 with a specific mean incidence rate of 33 cases per million person-years in children aged 0-14 years. We identified five spatial clusters of childhood leukemia in different regions of the country and specific time clustering during the study period.
Conclusion:
Childhood leukemia seems to cluster in space and time in some regions of Colombia suggesting a common etiologic factor or conditions to be studied.
