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The publication 'Cancer Incidence in Belgium, 2012. Special issue: Haematological malignancies' is specifically concerned with haematological malignancies because they are very different from the epidemiology of solid tissue tumours. Haematological malignancies constitute a very diverse and complex group of disorders with more than a hundred different and often very rare subtypes.
VFor this publication, haematological malignancies have been classified according to the WHO 2008 HAEMACARE classification into the three main groups of lymphoid, myeloid and histiocytic/dendritic cell neoplasms. While solid tissue tumours are most often diagnosed in adults and the elderly, haematological malignancies occur at all ages, including young people (infants, children and adolescents). Every year, about 6,500 Belgian residents are diagnosed with leukaemia or lymphoma. Over the years, the prognosis of haematological malignancies has improved significantly thanks to major therapeutic advances: relative 5-year survival increased from 57% in 2000–2003 to 66% in 2008–2012. The improvement was most dramatic for chronic myeloid leukaemia, where relative 5-year survival increased from 48% to 80% for 2000–2003 and 2008–2012 respectively.
Data were collected at the national level through both pathological and clinical registrations from the incidence year 2004 for Belgium and 1999 for the Flemish Region. Incidence, prevalence and relative 5-year survival data were presented in as much detail and precision as possible for Belgium, with comments on possible registration discrepancies. In addition, a data analysis provided further insight into the difficulties and complexities of registration. Consequently, for the first time, important recommendations for better-quality registration, involving data managers and treating physicians, were included in an epidemiological report from the Belgian Cancer Registry (BCR).
VFor this publication, haematological malignancies have been classified according to the WHO 2008 HAEMACARE classification into the three main groups of lymphoid, myeloid and histiocytic/dendritic cell neoplasms. While solid tissue tumours are most often diagnosed in adults and the elderly, haematological malignancies occur at all ages, including young people (infants, children and adolescents). Every year, about 6,500 Belgian residents are diagnosed with leukaemia or lymphoma. Over the years, the prognosis of haematological malignancies has improved significantly thanks to major therapeutic advances: relative 5-year survival increased from 57% in 2000–2003 to 66% in 2008–2012. The improvement was most dramatic for chronic myeloid leukaemia, where relative 5-year survival increased from 48% to 80% for 2000–2003 and 2008–2012 respectively.
Data were collected at the national level through both pathological and clinical registrations from the incidence year 2004 for Belgium and 1999 for the Flemish Region. Incidence, prevalence and relative 5-year survival data were presented in as much detail and precision as possible for Belgium, with comments on possible registration discrepancies. In addition, a data analysis provided further insight into the difficulties and complexities of registration. Consequently, for the first time, important recommendations for better-quality registration, involving data managers and treating physicians, were included in an epidemiological report from the Belgian Cancer Registry (BCR).