Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas in Never Married Men in Los Angeles
Author Information
Author(s): R. Ross, R. Dworsky, A. Paganini-Hill, A. Levine, T. Mack
Primary Institution: USC School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is the association of lymphoma and homosexuality a coincidence or does it represent an excess over what would be expected by chance?
Conclusion
There is evidence of a recent increase in the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in never-married men in Los Angeles, particularly among those under age 55.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in never-married men increased by about 60% in 1982 and 1983 compared to pre-1980 rates.
- Burkitt's lymphomas comprised 10% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in young unmarried men since 1980, compared to less than 1% before.
- The number of cases of Kaposi's sarcoma in young unmarried men in 1982 was 28 times that expected based on pre-1980 incidence.
Takeaway
This study found that more never-married men in Los Angeles are getting a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, especially younger men.
Methodology
The study used incidence data from a population-based tumor registry to monitor the incidence of malignant lymphoma.
Limitations
The study does not explain why there was no further increase in NHL incidence in 1983 despite rising cases of Kaposi's sarcoma.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on never-married men in Los Angeles, particularly those aged 18-54.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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