Epidemiologic features and trends of leukemia in Shenzhen during 2001-2015

Abstract

Objective To describe the incidence trend of leukemia in Shenzhen during 2001 to 2015, and to provide base data for designing prevention and treatment strategies on leukemia. Methods The leukemia incidence data and population data collected by Shenzhen Cancer Registry from 2001 to 2015 were used in our analysis. The crude incidence, age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard population (ASR China) and age-standardized incidence rate by world standard population (ASR world) were calculated. The annual percentage change (APC) of the incidence was analyzed by Joinpoint regression. Results Shenzhen Cancer Registry registered 2 106 new cases of leukemia from 2001 to 2015. The crude incidence was 6.31 per 100 000, with 6.75 per 100 000 ASR China and 7.15 per 100 000 ASR world. Cumulative rate (0-74 years) was 0.63%, and truncated rate (35-64 years) was 7.03 per 100 000. From the perspective of gender distribution, the incidence of male was significantly higher than female, with a sex ratio of 1.38∶1. In terms of time trend, the incidence of leukemia was stable, and the Joinpoint regression showed that APC=-0.09%(95%CI: -1.60%-1.41%, P=0.92). In terms of subtypes, acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) accounted for 17.66% of the total cases, and the incidence of AML has increased during 2001 to 2015 (APC=13.34%, 95%CI: 5.71%-21.51%, P<0.01). The median age of leukemia patients was 36 years old, and the mean age was 37.29 years old. The two peaks of the incidence were 1-4 and 80-84 age groups, and the ASR incidences were 9.13 per 100 000 and 39.40 per 100 000 respectively. Conclusion The incidence of leukemia is very high in Shenzhen. Children and the elderly are at high risk of leukemia. Government needs to guide institutions to carry out research to reduce the incidence of leukemia. Key words: Leukemia; Incidence; Time trend; Cancer register