Incidence
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) accounts for 6% of all childhood cancers.
HL is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Socio-economic status and Incidence:
There is a bimodal age-distribution in the incidence rate of HL in most economically advanced populations:
- The first peak occurs during adolescence and young adulthood with a rapid increase in the mid 20s
- The second peak occurs after age 55 during late adulthood
- In less economically developed countries, there is an initial peak in childhood and relatively low incidence rate during adolescent years
- Rates of Hodgkin lymphoma are elevated among young adults from higher social class
- Rates of Hodgkin lymphoma are decreased among families with a large number of children
Age of onset of Hodgkin lymphoma:
Age |
Proportion of Hodgkin lymphoma |
< 4 years |
2-3% |
< 15 years |
10% |
Between 15 and 30 years |
50% |
> 55 years |
35% |
Gender and age:
- Male incidence higher than female prior to adolescence.
- Female cases are very rare in childhood.
- Inverse relationship between gender-related incidence ratio and age.
- Incidence rate becomes similar for male and female during early adulthood.
There is no racial bias for children younger than 10 years of age. However, the incidence rate increases among Caucasian children older than 15 years of age compared to African American and Asian children.
Summary of Hodgkin lymphoma Epidemiology:
Annual Incidence |
7,800 - US 62,000 - International |
|
Peak Age of Incidence |
15-30 years of age |
|
Gender Bias (male:female)
< 4 years of age
3-7 years of age
7-9 years of age
> 15 years of age |
Male
19
4
3
1.3 |
Female
1
1
1
1 |
Racial Bias (Cases per 100,000 individuals) |
3.3 - Caucasian 3.0 - African American 1.3 - Asian |
|
