Birthweight and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Stavola B L De, Hardy R, Kuh D, Silva I dos Santos, Wadsworth M, Swerdlow A J
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Does birthweight influence the risk of developing breast cancer, considering childhood growth?
Conclusion
Higher birthweight is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, especially in pre-menopausal women.
Supporting Evidence
- Thirty-seven breast cancers occurred during follow-up.
- Women born heavier than 3.5 kg had a 21% increase in breast cancer rates if they were short or average at age 7.
- Women born heavier than 3.5 kg and tall at age 7 had a four-fold increase in breast cancer risk.
Takeaway
If a baby is born heavier, they might have a higher chance of getting breast cancer later, especially if they grow tall by age 7.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 2221 women born in 1946, tracking their health until 1997.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors were measured, but unmeasured factors could still influence results.
Limitations
The study only included women born in 1946 and may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Women born in 1946 in Britain.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.92, 3.35
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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