July 2004

Children With Leukaemia

First International Scientific Conference on Childhood Leukaemia

Incidence, causal mechanisms and prevention

CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA – Britain's leading charity dedicated exclusively to the conquest of childhood leukaemia – is organising the first international scientific conference ever to be held into the incidence, causes and prevention of childhood leukaemia.

Major advances in treatment have seen a significant increase in 5-year survival rates – from under 5% in the early 1960s to over 80% for the commonest type of childhood leukaemia. But, this success has come at a price. We now know that survivors face higher risks of developing another cancer or other potentially serious health problems. Another major worry is that the incidence of leukaemia in the under 5s is rising – and we don't know why.

These concerns are bringing together international experts from Europe, Australia, Asia and the USA to present new data and to exchange information on every aspect of incidence, potential causes and possibilities for prevention. Topics from invited speakers include:

Time trends in incidence
Possible role of viruses and infections
Molecular mechanisms
Leukaemia clusters
Radiation – including maternal and paternal exposure, CT scanning, radiation discharges, EMF, light emission…..
Air pollution
Placental transfer to the foetus
Risk assessment, safety precautions and policy options
Future research priorities

There will also be poster presentations of further new data.

Registration is free for bona fide media on presentation of official press credentials at the conference press office or by pre-registering. You are welcome to attend all sessions.

A news briefing will be held on the opening morning (Monday 6 September). A second media alert with more details will be sent to you in due course.

In the meantime, visit http://www.leukaemiaconference.org/ for full details of the programme and speakers, or contact:

Tina Price (Tina Price Consultants): Tel: +44 (0)2380 454570. Email: [email protected] or
Margaret Willson (MW Communications): 44-153-677-2181. Email: [email protected]