Childhood Cancer Clusters in New Mexico, 1973-1997

Childhood cancer has been a growing problem in the United States with approximately 8,000 new cases reported annually for children under the age of 15. The first step in epidemiological studies of childhood cancer is usually to identify places with elevated rates. Past research placed particular emphasis on childhood cancer in children living near nuclear facilities. This study tests whether statistically significant clusters of childhood cancer, leukemias, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or brain cancer are present in New Mexico where a nuclear research station is located. In the analysis, cancer incidence rates were adjusted for race (white, black, and other), age group, and sex. The results show that a statistically significant cluster of childhood cancer exists in Los Alamos County and in the six counties west and southwest of Los Alamos County when all cancers are considered. In addition, a statistically significant cluster of acute lymphoblastic leukemia exists in the state with concentration in Bernalillo, Cibola, Valencia, Socorro, and Dona Ana counties. No cluster of brain cancer was detected, and no cluster was detected when all leukemia incident cases were examined. Future research will need to search for possible risk factors responsible for the formation of the clusters.