Spatial clustering of childhood leukaemia in Switzerland: A nationwide study

What is it about?

We investigated whether children who develop leukaemia tend to live closer to each other than expected by chance (spatial clustering) and whether there are any areas in Switzerland with a particularly high risk (spatial cluster). We investigated both the place of residence at birth and at diagnosis. • Based on precise locations of residence, we found no statistical evidence that children who develop leukaemia tend to live closer to each other than expected by chance or to occur in clusters. • Our study shows that seemingly extraordinary aggregations of leukaemia cases are expected to occur by chance without a common environmental cause.

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Why is it important?

The causes of leukaemia in children are largely unknown. However, studies indicate that environmental factors such as traffic related air pollution or agricultural pesticides might increase the risk. Because exposure to such factors depends on where children live, leukaemia risks might vary from place to place. The presence of spatial clustering or clusters could thus provide new clues about possible environmental risk factors.

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