Critical assessment of opposing views on trends in childhood cancer - Response

A recent study documenting rising childhood cancer incidence in the United States was critiqued based on various methodological issues alleged to "cast doubt" on the findings. Many of the criticisms are not supported and are contradicted by empirical data, presented in this article. For example, the assertion that long-term incidence increases were due only to improved diagnostic techniques in 1983-1986 is not supported by available data on cancer incidence and supply of computerized scanning machines. Understanding the characteristics and causes of childhood cancer is a complex undertaking, and researchers should objectively consider multiple analytical methods.