The Dean's Office, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. r.a.cartwright@leeds.ac.uk
The descriptive and aetiological epidemiology of Hodgkin's Disease (HD) are reviewed. Key issues which are highlighted include the evidence suggesting that HD is a complex of related conditions that are part mediated by infectious diseases, immune deficits and genetic susceptibilities. There is little convincing evidence to suggest any other environmental factors are involved in the aetiology. The apparent changing pattern of disease by time and from country to country, needs careful future study. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.