Epidemiology and Etiology of Leukemia and Lymphoma

Abstract

Available evidence suggests that the incidence of leukemia and lymphoma tends to be higher in highly developed regions of the world and among Whites in the United States. Temporal trends in incidence are dynamic and multifactorial; for instance, the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increased around the turn of the century, in part because of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Most leukemias and lymphomas are sporadic and the specific etiology remains elusive. Still, research shows that these malignancies often develop in the context of genetic abnormalities, immunosuppression, and exposure to risk factors like ionizing radiation, carcinogenic chemicals, and oncogenic viruses. The prognosis varies by subtype, with poorer survival outcomes for acute leukemias among adults, and more favorable outcomes for Hodgkin's lymphoma. At a time when specific prevention efforts targeting these malignancies are nonexistent, there is a great need to ensure equitable access to diagnostic services and treatments worldwide.

Figure 1.

Age-specific incidence rates per 100,000 for leukemia and lymphoma by race/ethnicity, 2011–2015. Data Source: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER; http://seer.cancer.gov/registries/terms.html) 18 areas (San Francisco [SF], Connecticut, Detroit, Hawaii, Iowa, New Mexico, Seattle, Utah, Atlanta [ATL], San Jose–Monterey [JM], Los Angeles [LA], Alaska Native Registry, Rural Georgia [RG], California excluding SF/SJM/LA, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Georgia excluding ATL/RG). Rates are per 100,000 and for 19 age groups (Census P25-1130). Cancer sites are defined using the SEER Site Recode ICD-O-3/World Health Organization (WHO) 2008 Definition. Rates for American Indians/Alaska Natives only include cases that are in a Contract Health Service Delivery Area (CHSDA). Estimates based on 15 or fewer cases are suppressed and not shown.

Figure 2.

Five-year relative survival proportions for leukemia and lymphoma by race/ethnicity and age, 2008–2014. Data Source: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER; http://seer.cancer.gov/registries/terms.html) 18 areas (San Francisco [SF], Connecticut, Detroit, Hawaii, Iowa, New Mexico, Seattle, Utah, Atlanta [ATL], San Jose18 areas Monterey [SJM], Los Angeles [LA], Alaska Native Registry, Rural Georgia [RG], California excluding SF/SJM/LA, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey and Georgia excluding ATL/RG). The 5-yr survival proportions are calculated using monthly intervals. Cancer sites are defined using the SEER Site Recode ICD-O-3/World Health Organization (WH) 2008 Definition.