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Pediatric malignancies in Bursa, Turkey
1Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Uludağ University Medical School, Bursa, Turkey.
Summary
The Chernobyl accident in 1986 may have increased pediatric leukemia cases in Turkey. While leukemia showed a significant rise, lymphomas and solid tumors did not, suggesting further environmental studies are needed.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiation Epidemiology
Background:
- Turkey experienced atmospheric radioactive fallout following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
- Northern Turkey, including Bursa, is presumed to have higher exposure levels.
- Radioactive fission products like barium-140 and lanthanum-140 were detected post-accident.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential increases in pediatric malignancies in Bursa, Turkey, after the Chernobyl accident.
- To analyze trends in acute leukemia, lymphomas, and solid tumors diagnosed between 1986 and 1995.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric cancer diagnoses at an institution.
- Categorization of patients into acute leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumor groups.
- Statistical comparison of cancer incidence before and after 1986.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in pediatric acute leukemia cases was observed after 1986 (p < 0.001).
- No significant increase was found for pediatric lymphomas or solid tumors post-1986 (p > 0.05).
- The study identified a trend of increasing cases across all three malignancy types after the Chernobyl event.
Conclusions:
- The rise in pediatric leukemia warrants further investigation into potential environmental factors, including Chernobyl fallout.
- Non-significant increases in lymphomas and solid tumors suggest localized or other environmental influences.
- Expanded epidemiological studies across Turkey are recommended to fully assess the impact of the Chernobyl accident.