Leukaemia in Jamaica: a statistical survey of seventy cases

ABSTRACT

Information from all parts of the world indicates that the incidence of leukaemia has been increasing in recent years. In a survey of leukaemia in Jamaica for the years 1953-1957, evidence is brought forward to suggest that a similar increase is occurring here and the figures for 1957 show an incidence of leukaemia comparable to that of most European countries. An analysis of 70 cases of leukaemia show chronic myeloid leukaemia to be the commonest variety. The frequency of the acute leukaemias is similar to British figures, and the overall picture of age and sex distribution is also almost identical. The possible reasons for this general increase in leukaemia are discussed. (AU)