Abstract
This study, originating in the Automated Childhood Cancer Information System (ACCIS),
evaluated the time trend in survival after childhood cancer in Europe. The study included
more than 72,000 childhood cancer cases aged 0–14 years diagnosed in 1978–1997 and
followed-up in 30 population-based cancer registries with a long history of registration
and follow-up, in 15 European countries. Survival was analysed using an actuarial
life-table method. Five-year cumulative survival probability increased significantly
over the study period for all tumour types combined, from 54% for cases diagnosed
in the period 1978–1982 to 75% in 1993–1997. Significant improvement was also observed
in 10-year survival. Comparing the results for the period 1993–1997 with those for
1978–1982, the largest relative increase in survival was seen for hepatic tumours
(32%) and the largest reduction in mortality for non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (60%). Least
progress was seen for central nervous system (CNS) tumours. The improvement was statistically
significant in all European regions and was most rapid in the East. The ranking among
the European regions did not change over the study period, with highest survival in
the North and the West and lowest in the East. Extended data collection is necessary
to evaluate future time trends and changes in differences between European regions.
Keywords
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© 2006 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
