Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Comprehensive DNA Methylation Analysis Using a Methyl-CpG-binding Domain Capture-based Method in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients
Published on: June 16, 2017
Incidence of childhood leukemia in Sweden 1975-1980
Insights
Childhood leukemia incidence in Sweden (1975-1980) was 4.4 per 100,000 annually. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was most common, with a peak incidence in 2-3 year olds.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Leukemia is a significant childhood cancer.
- Understanding incidence patterns is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies on childhood leukemia in Sweden were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and patterns of childhood leukemia in Sweden between 1975 and 1980.
- To analyze the distribution of different leukemia subtypes (ALL, ANLL, CML) by age and sex.
- To investigate potential geographical clusters of leukemia cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of leukemia diagnoses in children aged 0-15 years in Sweden from 1975-1980.
- Calculation of incidence rates per 100,000 children per year for overall leukemia and specific subtypes.
- Comparison of incidence rates between boys and girls and analysis of age distribution.
- Examination of clinical characteristics such as WBC count, CNS involvement, and mediastinal mass.
- Geographical analysis to identify potential clusters.
Main Results:
- An overall leukemia incidence of 4.4/100,000 children/year was estimated.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) incidence was 3.7/100,000, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) was 0.6/100,000, and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) was 0.1/100,000.
- Incidence was slightly higher in boys (4.5/100,000) than girls (4.2/100,000), with a male:female ratio of 1.13.
- A peak incidence occurred between 2-3 years of age, primarily driven by ALL.
- Clinical features included high WBC counts (>100 X 10(9)/1) in 13%, CNS leukemia in 4%, and mediastinal mass in 10% of acute leukemia cases.
Conclusions:
- Childhood leukemia incidence in Sweden during 1975-1980 was estimated at 4.4/100,000.
- ALL represented the majority of childhood leukemia cases, with a distinct age peak.
- Further investigation into geographical distribution may reveal important etiological factors.
Abstract:
During the six-year period 1975-1980, leukemia was diagnosed in 466 children in Sweden, giving an estimated incidence of 4.4/100 000 children per year (0-15 years at diagnosis). The incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was 3.7, of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) 0.6 and of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) 0.1/100 000 children per year. The over all incidence among boys was 4.5/100 000 per year and among girls 4.2. The male: female ratio was 1.13. This ratio was 1.22 in ALL and 0.71 in ANLL. Fifty per cent of the children were below 5 years of age at diagnosis, with a pronounced peak between 2-3 years, which was explained by the ALL distribution. In children with acute leukemia 13% had WBC values of greater than 100 X 10(9)/1, 4% had CNS leukemia and 10% had a mediastinal mass at diagnosis. The geographical distribution of leukemia in Sweden was analysed in a search for clusters of cases.
