Publication:

Geographical and ecological analyses of childhood Wilms' tumours and soft tissue sarcomas in North West England: Evidence for environmental aetiological factors (2003)

Author(s): McNally RJQ; Alston RD; Cairns DP; Eden OB; Kelsey AM; Birch JM

    Abstract: The aim of this paper was to study the geographical distribution of Wilms’ tumours (WT) and soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) for 0–14 year olds included in a population-based registry from North West England during 1976–2000. Standardised morbidity ratios (SMRs) were calculated. Relationships between incidence rates and small area (ward) population density, ethnic composition, deprivation index and urban–rural status were examined using Poisson regression. There was a non-linear relationship between WT incidence and population density (P=0.008), with a higher incidence associated with wards with low deprivation scores (P=0.02); and which included a greater proportion of whites (P=0.01). For STS, a higher incidence was associated with wards with low deprivation scores (P=0.04); and which were ‘more rural/less urban’ (P=0.03). These results are consistent with a role for localised environmental exposures, in combination with lifestyle factors, in the aetiology of WT. For STS, there is some evidence for the involvement of environmental and/or lifestyle factors.

      • Date: 04-07-2003
      • Journal: European Journal of Cancer
      • Volume: 39
      • Issue: 11
      • Pages: 1586-1593
      • Publisher: Pergamon
      • Publication type: Article
      • Bibliographic status: Published
      Staff

      Dr Richard McNally
      Reader in Epidemiology