Childhood leukaemia and poliomyelitis in relation to military encampments in England and Wales in the period of national military service, 1950-63.

Abstract

The findings support the infection hypothesis. That the excess of leukaemia was greatest in children under 1 year suggests transmission of infection among adults and thence to the fetus. The pattern of spread of poliomyelitis may also have been influenced by the presence of large numbers of servicemen.