Association of Parental, Child, and Environmental Factors with the Occurrence of Childhood Leukemia in Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background: Leukemia is the most common malignant tumor in children, responsible for nearly one-third of all childhood cancers. However, the exact risk factors of childhood leukemia are unknown. Objective(s): The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of leukemia among Upper Egyptian children. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in 2019. Cases included 170 children aged ≤18 years with a confirmed leukemia diagnosis at the South Egypt Cancer Institute. The controls included 170 children matched for age and sex, free from hematological problems, and diagnosed with a mild illness in a pediatric outpatient clinic. Data were collected from children’s parents using an interview questionnaire. Results: The significant predictors for childhood leukemia were abnormal birth weight (4 kg) (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.46–5.71) and childhood exposure to previous diagnostic radiation (OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 1.37–11.31). The risk increased if the father’s occupation was farming (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.04–4.40), household monthly income Conclusion: Abnormal birth weight, father’s occupation is farming, exposure to diagnostic radiation and pesticides, family history of leukemia or other cancers, and low income are risk factors for leukemia in Egyptian children.