Increasing incidence of childhood tumours of the central nervous system in Denmark, 1980–1996

Abstract

The registered incidence rate of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumours has increased in several countries. It is uncertain whether these increases are biologically real or owing to improved diagnostic methods. We explored the medical records of 626 CNS tumours diagnosed in Danish children between 1980 and 1996. Population-based registers were used to extract data on mortality and background population. Temporal patterns were analysed by regression techniques. Most tumours were verified by computed tomography (78%) or magnetic resonance imaging (14%). Overall, the incidence rate increased by 2.9% per year (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3;4.5) and the mortality rate increased by 1.4% per year (95% CI: À0.4;3.3). Among children aged 0 -4 years, the survival rate after diagnosis remained almost unchanged, whereas among children aged 5 -14 years, the 10-year survival rate improved from 59 to 74%. These data suggest that the incidence rate of CNS tumours among Danish children has truly increased, although alternative explanations cannot be excluded.

Patterns of exposure to infectious diseases and social contacts in early life and risk of brain tumours in children and adolescents: an International Case–Control Study (CEFALO)

“…Regarding social contacts, the above-mentioned diagnostic delay (Raaschou-Nielsen et al , 2006; ng-Tan and Franco, 2007, 2008; Wilne et al , 2007; Raab and Gartner, 2009) suggests confounding by indication as a potential concern as cases may have attended daycare less often compared with controls because of prodromal symptoms or other factors relating to a latent and undiagnosed CABT. This would lead to an underestimation of the association between social contacts and the risk of CABT.…”

Classification, incidence and survival analyses of children with CNS tumours diagnosed in Sweden 1984–2005

“…Results from a population‐based study from Denmark (24) of children with CNS tumours diagnosed 1980–1996 showed that the incidence had increased with 2.9%, annually. However, there was an obvious increase of incidence after 1988 which continued in a post hoc analysis 1997–2001 with rates exceeding 4.0/100 000 children.…”

Mortalidade por tumores do sistema nervoso central em crianças e adolescentes no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 1980-2009

“…Os dados relativos à incidência de câncer são disponíveis apenas nos locais que contam com Registros de Câncer de Base Populacional (RCBP). Nas últimas décadas, vários estudos vêm relatando um aumento da incidência de tumores do SNC em crianças e adolescentes 2,4,7,[10][11][12][13] . Alguns autores acreditam que possíveis mudanças relacionadas às exposições ambientais estejam associadas ao aumento das taxas de incidência 14,15 .…”

“…Alguns autores acreditam que possíveis mudanças relacionadas às exposições ambientais estejam associadas ao aumento das taxas de incidência 14,15 . Uma explicação alternativa seria a ampliação do acesso a técnicas diagnósticas não invasivas, assim como mudanças nos procedimentos de registro dos casos ou nas práticas de classificação dos tumores 10,11,13 .…”