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Testicular cancer and relation to space-time clustering examined

05-08-2006

The relationship between testicular cancer and space-time clustering amongst 15-24-year-olds in northern England was examined.

"There has been speculation that environmental exposures may be involved in the aetiology of testicular cancer in adolescent boys and young men. Indirect evidence for this hypothesis would be provided by the finding of space-time clustering," scientists writing in the European Journal of Epidemiology reported.

"To examine this we have looked for evidence of space-time clustering using data from a population-based cancer registry from Northern England. All cases of testicular cancer diagnosed in males aged 15-24 years during the period 1968-2002 were included in the study. Tests for space-time interactions between cases were applied with fixed thresholds of dose in space and dose in time. Addresses at birth and diagnosis were used in the analyses. To adjust for the effect of varying population density tests were repeated replacing fixed geographical distances with nearest neighbour thresholds. A total of 257 cases of testicular cancer were identified for analysis," explained R.J.Q. McNally and colleagues, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

The researchers concluded, "Overall there was no evidence for space-time clustering. However, there was statistically significant space-time clustering for 15-19-year-olds based on time of birth and place of diagnosis (p<.001). The very limited finding of space-time clustering may provide tentative evidence for an environmental, or infectious component to aetiology. However, it may well be a chance finding. A larger study based on national data is required."

McNally and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Epidemiology (Space-time clustering analyses of testicular cancer amongst 15-24-year-olds in northern England. Eur J Epidemiol, 2006;21(2):139-144).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting R.J.Q. McNally, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, England.

The publisher of the European Journal of Epidemiology can be contacted at: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.

Keywords: Tyne & Wear, England, Etiology, Cancer, Cancer Registries, Epidemiology, Oncology, Space-Time Clustering, Testicular Cancer, Testicular Carcinoma, Etiology, Environmental Exposure.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.