Incidence and Mortality Patterns of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Belgrade, Serbia (1999–2013)

Introduction: To assess incidence and mortality trends of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Belgrade (Serbia) in a 15-year period (from 1999 to 2013). Material and Methods: Data were obtained from the Cancer Registry of Serbia, Institute of Public Health of Serbia. Standardized incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated by direct standardization method using World Standard Population. Analysis of raw data indicated single-digit numbers per year and per 5-year age cohorts. Therefore, we merged years of diagnosis to three-year intervals, creating so-called “moving averages”. We also merged study population to 10-year age cohorts. Results: Both incidence and mortality rates increased with age, i.e., the lowest rates were observed in the youngest age groups and the highest rates were observed in oldest age groups. In all age groups, except the youngest (15–24 years), AML incidence was statistically significantly higher in men compared with women. Average age-adjusted incidence was 2.73/100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.28–3.71). Average age-adjusted mortality was 1.81/100,000 (95% CI 1.30–2.26). Overall, there were no significant changes in incidence trend. Age-adjusted incidence rates had increasing tendency among men aged 65–74 years (B = 0.80, standard error (SE) = 0.11; p = 0.005) and in total population aged 65–74 years (B = 0.41, SE = 0.09; p = 0.023). Increasing tendency in incidence of AML among women was observed in age group >75 years (B = 0.63, SE = 0.14; p = 0.019). No changes of mortality trend were observed. Conclusion: There was no significant change in trends of AML from 1999 to 2013 in the population of Belgrade.