Pediatric Cancer: Wash. Has One Of The Highest Rates In U.S.

SEATTLE, WA - The rate of pediatric cancer in Washington is the second-highest among West Coast states, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control. In Washington, 3,797 cases of pediatric cancer were recorded between 2003 and 2014 and the rate was close to 180 per one million, which was among the higher rates in the country.

The incidence rate was higher among white and Native American/Asian children. Washington's pediatric cancer rate was second behind Oregon along the West Coast.

Previous studies by the CDC focused on regional differences. The most recent study, released this week, provides state-by-state statistics.

Nationwide, rates were highest in New Hampshire, Washington, DC, and New Jersey and lowest in South Carolina and Mississippi.

“Knowledge of pediatric cancer incidence variation by state and cancer type can prompt local and state cancer registries to evaluate reporting and diagnostic standards,” the study said. “Understanding geographic variation in incidence rates can help cancer-control planners and clinicians address obstacles in access to care, which is especially relevant to states with large distances to pediatric oncology centers.”

The CDC analyzed data from the United States Cancer Statistics and identified over 170,000 cases of pediatric cancer between 2003 and 2014. According to the report, leukemias had the highest incident rates, followed by brain tumors and lymphomas. Identifying the incident rates of pediatric cancer by geographic region can enhance provider awareness, treatment capacity, survivor care and surveillance, the CDC says.

Overall, there were about 174 cases per one million children and teens and the rate was higher in males compared to females. When broken down by age group, the rates were higher in children between the ages of 0-4 and teens between the ages of 15-19, as compared to kids between the ages of 5-9 and 10-14.

After the Northeast, rates were highest in the Midwest, the West and lowest in the South. The CDC says geographical variation in pediatric cancer might be influenced by the following factors:

• Difference in exposure to carcinogenic chemicals or radiation
• Genetic variation in certain populations
• Rates for certain cancers may vary by race and ethnicity
• Incidences of some types of cancer might be related to enhanced detection and access to care, which can vary based on location
• The geographic variation might be affected by age, economic status and rural/urban classification

The CDC says cancer incidence rate by geographical region can help local and state cancer registries to evaluate reporting and diagnostic standards. Understanding this information can also help clinicians address obstacles to care, which is especially relevant to states with large distances to pediatric oncology centers.

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