Since 2001, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been diagnosed more often in Hispanic children and adolescents than in those of other races/ethnicities, according to a recent analysis. Investigators looked at United States Cancer Statistics data from 2001 to 2014. Among the findings:

• About 38,000 new pediatric cases of ALL were diagnosed (34 cases/1 million population).
• Incidence in Hispanic children and teens was 43/1 million, vs 34/1 million among white youths.
• Incidence in black children and adolescents were each 19/1 million.
• Incidence was highest in children aged 1 to 4 years, 75/1 million.
• Incidence was also higher in boys vs girls, Western state vs other parts of the country, metropolitan areas vs rural communities, and higher vs lower income counties.

The authors suspect genetics, disproportionate exposure to chemicals, or obesity may play a role in the higher incidence among Hispanics. They added that clinicians can use this information to improve cancer survivorship programs and help survivors transition to adult care.