Long-term cancer risk in women given diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy
Author Information
Author(s): Titus-Ernstoff L, Hatch E E, Hoover R N, Palmer J, Greenberg E R, Ricker W, Kaufman R, Noller K, Herbst A L, Colton T, Hartge P
Primary Institution: Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between maternal DES exposure during pregnancy and the risk of cancer?
Conclusion
The study found a modest association between DES exposure and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- DES was given to pregnant women from 1940 through the 1960s to prevent complications.
- Previous studies indicated increased risks of reproductive tract abnormalities in daughters exposed to DES.
- The study demonstrated a modest association between DES exposure and breast cancer risk.
Takeaway
This study looked at women who took a medicine called DES while pregnant and found that it might slightly increase their chances of getting breast cancer.
Methodology
The study used Poisson regression analyses to estimate relative risks and confidence intervals based on medical records.
Limitations
The study did not find evidence linking DES to ovarian, endometrial, or other cancers.
Participant Demographics
Women who were exposed to DES during pregnancy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
1.07–1.52
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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