Seasonality in Monocytic Leukaemia Diagnosis
Author Information
Author(s): Eatough J P
Primary Institution: Medical Physics Department, North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary
Hypothesis
Is there a seasonal pattern in the diagnosis of monocytic leukaemia?
Conclusion
There is preliminary evidence suggesting a seasonal variation in the diagnosis of monocytic leukaemia, with peaks in February/March and lows in August/September.
Supporting Evidence
- Previous studies showed inconsistent results regarding seasonality in leukaemia diagnosis.
- Analysis of larger data sets revealed significant seasonal variation in monocytic leukaemia diagnoses.
- February/March had the highest diagnosis rates, while August/September had the lowest.
Takeaway
Doctors found that more people are diagnosed with monocytic leukaemia in the winter than in the summer.
Methodology
Data from the Office of National Statistics was analyzed for every recorded case of monocytic leukaemia in England and Wales from 1974 to 1998.
Limitations
The smallest data set analyzed was too small to reliably determine seasonal variation.
Participant Demographics
Data included all recorded cases of monocytic leukaemia in England and Wales.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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