Childhood Cancer and Ethnic Groups in Britain
Author Information
Author(s): C.A. Stiller, P.A. McKinney, K.J. Bunch, C.C. Bailey, I.J. Lewis
Primary Institution: University of Oxford
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between childhood cancer incidence and ethnic group in Britain.
Conclusion
The study found significant differences in the incidence of various childhood cancers among different ethnic groups in Britain.
Supporting Evidence
- There was a significant excess of Hodgkin's disease among Asian children compared to Caucasians.
- Asian children had a significant deficit of Wilms' tumour and rhabdomyosarcoma.
- West Indian children had a significant excess of Wilms' tumour.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different ethnic groups in Britain are affected by childhood cancer, finding that some groups have higher or lower rates of certain types of cancer.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the UKCCSG register, which includes children diagnosed with cancer in Britain since 1981, using log-linear modeling to assess relative frequencies of cancer types among ethnic groups.
Potential Biases
The study may have bias due to the non-population-based nature of the register and the potential underrepresentation of certain cancer types.
Limitations
The register is not population-based, and incidence rates could not be calculated; thus, the analyses are based on relative frequencies.
Participant Demographics
Of the 7,658 children, 6,783 (89%) were White Caucasian, 366 (4.8%) were Asian, 63 (0.8%) were West Indian, and 173 (2.3%) were of other or mixed ethnic groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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