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Netherlands: About leukemia

In the Netherlands, as elsewhere in Europe, leukaemia is relatively rare but well studied.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, the outline of the Netherlands with glowing cells.
Figure 1.Map of the Netherlands.

01Short answer

Cancer cases in the Netherlands are recorded in the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NKR), run by IKNL. The main types of leukaemia (ALL, AML, CML and CLL) all occur here; CLL is more common in older people and ALL in children. Haematology treatment takes place in specialised centres, and patients have reliable information sources such as Hematon and Kanker.nl.

02Simple explanation

Registry: records every case.

Four main types: ALL, AML, CML, CLL.

Patient organisation: Hematon.

03Scientific explanation

Statistics: WHO GLOBOCAN and IKNL publish national figures.

Research: the Netherlands takes part in clinical trials through HOVON, a joint Dutch-Belgian group.

04What happens in the body?

About the disease

Leukaemia is uncontrolled growth of blood cells in the bone marrow; the type guides treatment.

On a dark navy background, a bone-marrow cross-section.
Figure 2.Bone marrow — Netherlands: About leukemia

National data

The IKNL registry tracks new cases and outcomes every year.

On a dark navy background, streams of light and an archive.
Figure 3.Registry — Netherlands: About leukemia

Where to start

The first step is usually a talk with your GP (huisarts).

05Getting started

Four steps.

Know the type — Ask for the exact name of the diagnosis.1Know the typeAsk for the exact name of the diagnosis.
Reliable source — Kanker.nl, Hematon.2Reliable sourceKanker.nl, Hematon.
Your GP — First point of contact.3Your GPFirst point of contact.
Patient group — Sharing experience.4Patient groupSharing experience.
ClarityType and plan are known.
SupportYou are not alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
About the diseaseLeukaemia is uncontrolled growth of blood cells in the bone marrow; the type guides treatment.
National dataThe IKNL registry tracks new cases and outcomes every year.
Where to startThe first step is usually a talk with your GP (huisarts).

07Key terms

NKR
Netherlands Cancer Registry.
IKNL
Cancer organisation.
Huisarts
GP.
Hematon
Patient organisation.

08Key points

  • Learn the type.
  • Choose reliable sources.
  • Start with your GP.
  • Write down questions.
  • Look at patient groups.

09Frequently asked questions

Is leukaemia common in the Netherlands?

It is relatively rare; exact figures are published by IKNL and GLOBOCAN.

Is the information in Dutch?

Mostly yes; some pages have an English version.

Which sources can I trust?

Official and patient organisations, and your own team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is leukaemia common in the Netherlands?

  2. Is the information in Dutch?

  3. Which sources can I trust?

My questions

12Sources

  1. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: the Netherlands fact sheet
  2. IKNL (Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation). Official website
  3. Kanker.nl (KWF, IKNL, NFK). Official website (in Dutch)
  4. Hematon. Patient organisation for blood cancer (in Dutch)
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia—Patient Version
  6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Private drinking water wells
  7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ground water and drinking water
  8. U.S. Department of Labor. Family and Medical Leave Act
  9. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Official website
  10. 911.gov. Official 911 information
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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