Burkitt's lymphoma in Ghana: Urban-rural distribution, time—space clustering and seasonality

Abstract

Epidemiological data are summarized from 236 cases of Burkitt's lymphoma (>90% cytologically or histologically confirmed) seen from 1970 through 1975 at Korle Bu Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The rate of referral from rural areas was greater than that from urban areas, despite a probable bias toward referral from urban areas. The distribution of cases in Ghana appeared to be non‐random but we attribute this to variable access to medical care and physician interest. Rainfall did not appear to be an important factor. Seasonal variation and time—space clustering were not observed. The incidence here seems lower than that reported in East Africa. We found no evidence of an environmental influence with a short incubation period, as has been postulated for this disease in East Africa. The higher risk among rural patients is consistent with severe malaria being a factor in the etiology of Burkitt's lymphoma.