title: Epidemiologic perspectives on myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemia.
abstract: The ICD classification of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and the four main features of the descriptive epidemiology of the condition are discussed. MDS is: (1) a rare disease; which may be, (2) on the increase; (3) which primarily affects the elderly; and (4) which predominantly affects men. We reviewed four causal models pertaining to the relationship between MDS and leukemia. These models may be described as: (1) non-biological correlates; (2) biological correlates; (3) early phase; and (4) interactive cause. Each model is described and the evidence in support of or against each is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-0008, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sateren
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Delzell
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology