Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma in Alaskan natives

All Alaskan Native patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and related cancers during the time period 1969-83 were identified. Of 72 biopsy-confirmed cases, lymphoma was diagnosed in 37 (including mycosis fungoides in 5), leukemia in 22, multiple myeloma in 11, and other lymphoreticular cancers in 2. Compared to the rates for U.S. whites, incidence rates were low for leukemia and lymphoma (especially Hodgkin's disease), but not for multiple myeloma in males. There was an apparent increase over time in lymphomas in males, while no increase occurred in females, nor for leukemia or multiple myeloma in either sex.