Trends in survival for childhood cancer in Britain diagnosed 1971-85
1990

Trends in Childhood Cancer Survival in Britain (1971-1985)

Sample size: 15000 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): C.A. Stiller, K.J. Bunch

Primary Institution: University of Oxford, Department of Paediatrics, Childhood Cancer Research Group

Hypothesis

Survival rates for childhood cancers in Britain have improved significantly from 1971 to 1985.

Conclusion

The study found significant improvements in survival rates for many major childhood cancer types over the 15-year period.

Supporting Evidence

  • 5-year survival rates for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia increased from 37% to 70%.
  • Survival rates for Hodgkin's disease improved from 75% to around 90%.
  • Survival rates for Wilms' tumour rose significantly, especially before 1980.

Takeaway

More kids with cancer are surviving now than before because doctors have better treatments.

Methodology

Survival rates were analyzed using population-based data from the National Registry of Childhood Tumours.

Limitations

Some cancer registrations for 1985 were not yet received, and cases ascertained by death certificate alone were excluded.

Participant Demographics

Children aged under 15 diagnosed with malignant neoplasms in England, Scotland, or Wales.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

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