Childhood Growth and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Lawlor D A, Okasha M, Gunnell D, Smith G Davey, Ebrahim S
Primary Institution: University of Bristol
Hypothesis
This study investigates the associations of self-reported birth weight and adult anthropometric indicators of childhood growth with breast cancer.
Conclusion
Adult height, leg length, trunk length, and birth weight are all modestly and positively associated with breast cancer risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Breast cancer prevalence shows a graded linear increase with increasing height, leg length, and trunk length.
- Women with shorter legs were younger at menarche.
- Both shorter trunk length and shorter leg length appear to be associated with younger age at menopause.
Takeaway
The taller you are and the heavier you were at birth, the more likely you might be to get breast cancer when you grow up.
Methodology
The study used a cohort of women aged 60-79 years, collecting data through questionnaires, physical examinations, and medical record reviews.
Potential Biases
Response bias is unlikely to have significantly affected the results due to similar breast cancer prevalence between responders and non-responders.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, which may introduce survivor bias and relies on self-reported birth weight.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 60-79 years from 23 British towns.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI (2.6, 3.7)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website