Gradual increase of chronic lymphocytic leukemia incidence in Korea, 1999-2010: comparison to plasma cell myeloma

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and plasma cell myeloma (PCM) have markedly higher incidences in Western countries compared with Asian countries. To track the change of incidence in Korea, we investigated the 12-year incidence and compared findings with national cancer databases in Taiwan and the United States (US). The age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of CLL and PCM in Korea during 1999-2010 were 0.13/100 000 and 1.23/100 000. The annual percentage change (APC) in the incidence rates were 4.17% for CLL and 4.68% for PCM. These increasing trends were similar findings to Taiwan. In the US, the ASRs of CLL and PCM were 3.21/100 000 and 3.97/100 000. The APC of CLL and PCM incidence rate were 0.68% and 0.50%. The incidence rates of CLL in Korea gradually increased during the study period, while those of PCM showed a steeper ascent. In contrast, the incidence rates of CLL and PCM in the US appear to be stable.