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Childhood cancer in Sweden, 1958-1974. I. Incidence and mortality
Insights
Childhood cancer incidence increased significantly between 1958-1974, with leukemia and central nervous system tumors being most common. Mortality rates slightly decreased, particularly for leukemia and Wilms' tumor in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Registry Analysis
Background:
- Childhood cancer represents a significant health concern.
- Understanding trends in incidence and mortality is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in childhood tumors and tumor-like conditions in Sweden from 1958 to 1974.
- To identify common cancer types and age-related incidence patterns in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 3797 cases from the Swedish Cancer Registry (1958-1974).
- Examination of tumor diagnoses, age distribution, incidence rates, and mortality trends.
Main Results:
- Leukemia and central nervous system tumors were the most frequent childhood cancers (58%).
- Incidence peaked in the first year of life, with distinct tumor types in infants.
- A significant increase in overall childhood cancer incidence was observed, alongside a slight decrease in mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Childhood cancer incidence rose during the study period, with notable increases in nervous system tumors, especially in boys.
- Mortality rates declined, most significantly for Wilms' tumor and leukemia in children aged 0-4 years.
Abstract:
All cases of tumours and tumour-like conditions in children 0-14 years reported to the Swedish cancer registry during the period 1958-74 have been studied. The material consists of 3797 individuals on file in this registry. The most common cancer diagnoses in children 0-14 years are leukemia and tumours of the central nervous system (together constituting approximately 58% of all cases). Almost half of the cancers affect children below five years of age. The lowest incidence occurs in the ages 7-8 years, and the highest occurs during the first year of life. The types of tumours below one year of age show a different distribution than in any other age groups. A significant increase in the incidence of childhood cancer occurred, while the mortality rates showed a slight decrease during the period studied. A remarkable increase in the incidence figures was noted concerning tumours of the nervous system, especially in boys. The decrease in the mortality rates was most obvious regarding Wilms' tumour, and leukemia in children 0-4 years of age.