Work

Patterns and trends in the incidence of leukemia in children and young adults in Northern England by age, sex, socioeconomic and urban–rural status

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Leukemia is the most common cancer among children and young adults, accounting for 30% of cases worldwide. Although global studies report geographic and demographic differences in incidence, long-term patterns in northern England remain insufficiently examined. This study investigates leukemia incidence among individuals aged 0-24 years in northern England from 1968 to 2021, considering age, sex, socioeconomic status, and urban-rural residence. Data were obtained from the Northern Region Young Persons Malignant Disease Registry. Incidence rates were calculated by age group (0-14, 15-24 years), sex, deprivation quintiles (Townsend Deprivation Score), and urban-rural status. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percentage changes, and Poisson regression was applied to evaluate demographic and socioeconomic effects. Higher incidence occurred in 0-14-year-olds, especially ages 0-4. Males consistently showed higher rates. Incidence increased annually in 0-14-year-olds but declined after 1995 in 15-24-year-olds. Rural areas showed increased incidence in 2016-2021, whilst there was no significant association with deprivation.

Source: Leukemia & lymphoma/Leukemia and lymphoma

DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2025.2612236

Authors: Aswathy Pullanur Karumampurath, Adam Errington, Paul Norman, Louise Hayes, Richard McNally

Institutions: Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, University of Leeds

Language: English

Topic: Global Cancer Incidence and Screening

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: Newcastle University