IS THE RISK OF CANCER INCREASED IN ASIANS LIVING IN THE UK

The pattern of cancer in white and Asian (Indian, Pakistani, and Bangl adeshi) children living in the West Midlands Health Authority Region w as investigated using age standardised incidence rates. sets of rates were calculated, a 10 rate (1982-91) using survey based estimates of t he ethnic population and a four year rate (1989-92) using the ethnic p opulation counts from the 1991 census. The 10 year rates showed a sign ificantly higher annual incidence of cancer in Asian (159.1/million/ye ar) than in white (130.8) children. The pattern of cancers in Asian ch ildren was different, with an excess of lymphomas and germ cell tumour s, and a deficit of rhabdomyosarcomas. These findings were confirmed b y the four year rates. Although underestimation of the Asian populatio n probably contributes to the apparent excess, there remains cause for concern that UK Asian children may be at higher risk of cancer. Accur ate ethnic population figures and confirmatory studies are urgently re quired.