Detection of leukemia and related disorders

Summary

This case finding program, with the broadest possible population and diagnostic bases, leads to an enumeration of patients and codification of selected features of their illness, including a detailed diagnostic classification. It is pursued under the tacit assumption that selected portions of the accumulated case material can be used to investigate a variety of important questions about leukemia and the leukemogenic process. Primary among these questions, of course, are those concerning the leukemogenic effects of ionizing radiation including not only rates but all the associated epidemiologic, etiologic, pathologic, and clinical features of radiation-induced leukemia.

Most specifically, this program is designed to detect, document, evaluate, and diagnose all cases of leukemias, and certain closely related hematologic diseases, occurring among survivors of the atomic bombs with honseki in Hiroshima or Nagasaki cities; and all others seeking medical care in Hiroshima or Nagasaki cities for these diseases.

While the primary interest is leukemia, this disorder cannot be distinguished clearly from many other similar conditions. Furthermore, the development of some disorders related to leukemia quite possibly is enhanced by exposure to ionizing radiation. Thus, it is necessary to include many abnormal hematologic states: leukemia of any type, lymphoma of any type, and related disorders.

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