International incidence of central nervous system tumors in children

Information Needs Regarding Cognitive Late Effects of Caregivers of Central Nervous System Tumor Survivors

Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumor survivors are at risk for experiencing cognitive late effects (CLEs). Caregivers of survivors may be unaware of these changes or receive untimely information regarding CLEs. Conversely, health care providers (HCPs) may face barriers to providing education. This study aims to (a) understand the knowledge and resource gap for caregivers regarding CLEs and (b) explore how HCPs currently provide education. Caregivers and HCPs were both interviewed. Qualitative analysis was performed using emergent coding. Fifteen caregivers and eight HCPs participated. Caregivers generally felt confident in assisting their survivor but experienced "information overload" during initial diagnosis and treatment. HCPs reported difficulties in determining appropriate timing for education and perceived that caregivers typically lack understanding of CLEs. Caregivers should be aware of and understand a survivor's risk for CLEs to help survivors manage changes. With increasing survival rates of pediatric CNS tumor patients, HCPs must be prepared to provide appropriate education and referrals regarding CLEs for long-term care.

International variations in childhood cancer in indigenous populations: a systematic review

Although the cancer burden in indigenous children has been reported in some countries, up to now, no international comparison has been made. We therefore aimed to assess the available evidence of the burden of childhood cancer in indigenous populations. We did a systematic review of reports on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival in indigenous children worldwide. Our findings highlight the paucity of accessible information and advocate the pressing need for data by indigenous status in countries where population-based cancer registries are established. The true extent of disparities between the burden in the indigenous community needs to be measured so that targeted programmes for cancer control can be planned and implemented.

Incidence of primary central nervous system tumors among children in Belgrade (Serbia), 1991-2004

The aim of this survey was to estimate the incidence of primary CNS tumors among children aged 0-14 in Belgrade during the period 1991-2004. Incidence rates were age-adjusted according to the world standard population. The average age-adjusted incidence rates were 3.4/100,000 for boys, 2.4/100,000 for girls, and 2.9/100,000 for both genders. There was a nonsignificant tendency toward increased CNS tumor incidence (y = 2.547 + 0.052 x, p = .549). The age-specific incidence rates were 3.0/100,000 (0-4 years), 2.2/100,000 (5-9 years), and 3.8/100,000 (10-14 years). Among the population aged between 0 and 14, the cumulative probability of acquiring primary CNS tumors was 1 per 1961 for boys and 1 per 2778 for girls. Astrocytoma was the most common pathohistological type of primary CNS tumors accounting for 41.5% of cases.

The role of family history in risk of childhood brain tumors

BACKGROUND

Although brain tumors are the second most frequent malignancy in children, relatively little is known about the role of family history in risk of these tumors.

METHODS

Children under the age of 18 years (n = 361) in whom primary brain tumors were diagnosed were identified from eight United States population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries and compared to matched controls (n = 1083) identified by random-digit dialing. Information regarding family history of birth defects or tumors was obtained, along with data on other potential risk factors, from interviews with the mothers and fathers of the index children.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in family history of epilepsy. However, moderate elevations in risk were observed for a history of birth defects in maternal relatives, particularly for female propositi. Significantly more mothers (odds ratio [OR] = 1.63, 95% confidence limits [CL] = 1.03, 2.57) and maternal female relatives (OR = 2.15, 95% CL = 1.14, 4.06) of cases than of controls were reported to have had birth defects. History of birth defects in maternal relatives was particularly associated with childhood brain tumors of "other" (not astrocytoma or medulloblastoma) histologic type (OR = 2.37, 95% CL = 1.25, 4.53) and infratentorial tumors (OR = 1.76, 95% CL = 1.06, 2.93). Slight excesses of tumors were observed in paternal relatives of children with astrocytomas (OR = 1.43, 95% CL 0.93, 2.20) or with infratentorial tumors (OR = 1.46, 95% CL 0.97, 2.20). Risk of childhood brain tumors did not increase with the number of relatives affected with brain tumors, breast cancer, leukemia or lymphoma, soft tissue sarcomas, or all of these tumor types combined (the Li-Fraumeni syndrome).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a modest increase in risk of childhood brain tumors associated with maternal family history of birth defects. Family history of tumors does not appear to contribute appreciably to an increased risk of brain tumors in children.