Morbidity of chronic myeloid leukemia

In 129 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia recorded in our files between 1955 and 1978, the sex ratio showed a slight decrease of the previously higher proportion of males. The morbidity rates of the two sexes are approaching. A shift of the incidence peak in males to a younger age is a striking feature, in contrast to a shift to the opposite direction in females. The incidence peak of women shifted from 35 years in the first to 65 yr in the second period, for men from 55 to 35 yr. The mean age at diagnosis was higher in women than in men. A decrease of frequency was observed during the second period 1970-1978. Whether this is a real improvement and consistent trend has to be ascertained by further studies.