Epidemiology of leukaemia and lymphoma in children and young adults from the north of England, 1990-2002

Aim: We aimed to describe and contrast the epidemiology of haematological malignancies among 0-14 and 15-24-year-olds in northern England from 1990 to 2002 and compare clinical trial entry by age group. Patients and methods: Incidence rates were examined by age, sex and period of diagnosis and differences were tested using Poisson regression. Differences and trends in survival were assessed using Cox regression. Results: 1680 subjects were included comprising 948 leukaemias and 732 lymphomas. Incidence rates for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were significantly higher for 0-14 compared to 15-24-year-olds, whilst Hodgkin lymphoma showed the reverse. No significant changes in incidence were observed. 60% of leukaemia patients aged 15-24 years entered trials compared to 92% of 0-14-year-olds. Survival rates were significantly lower and improved less markedly over time for 15-24 compared to 0-14-year-olds, particularly for leukaemia. Conclusions: Trial accrual rates need to be improved amongst 15-24-year-olds and a more structured follow-up approach adopted for this unique population.