Leukemia epidemiology and burden of disease in South Africa: 2015-2019

Leukemia ranks as the 11th most prevalent cancer globally, contributing significantly to the cancer burden. Despite its rising impact, recent epidemiological data on leukemia in South Africa remain limited. This study investigates the incidence, mortality trends, and disease burden of leukemia in South Africa from 2015 to 2019.

Leukemia incidence data were obtained from the South African National Cancer Registry, and mortality data from Statistics South Africa for 2015-2019. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated using mid-year population data and the Segi world standard population for standardization. The burden of disease was quantified using Years of Life Lost (YLLs), Years Lived with Disability (YLDs), and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Rates were compared by age, sex, year, and province.

There were 2 001 new cases of leukemia and 1 244 deaths reported, with an incidence rate of 4.11 per 100,000 and mortality rate of 3.01 per 100,000 population. The male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1 and the mean age was 38 years at diagnosis and 53 at death. Acute myeloid leukemia was the most common type of leukemia in South Africa. Gauteng had the highest age standardized incidence rate (4.92 per 100,000), and the Western Cape had the highest age standardized mortality rate (3.98 per 100,000). In 2019, leukemia accounted for 6 309 DALYs, with a decline in age standardized DALY (-1.04 %) and YLL (-4.7 %) rate, respectively.

This study provides up-to-date incidence and mortality data, expressing the burden of leukemia in South Africa. The age-standardized mortality and DALY rates showed favorable patterns over the study period. However, the incidence rates showed an increase, which may reflect the progressive aging and growth of the population. These findings highlight the need for sustained efforts to improve leukemia detection, treatment access, and healthcare quality in South Africa.