Childhood Cancer and Parental Smoking
Author Information
Author(s): Sorahan T, McKinney P A, Mann J R, Lancashire R J, Stiller C A, Birch J M, Dodd H E, Cartwright R A
Primary Institution: Institute of Occupational Health, University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
Is paternal cigarette smoking a risk factor for childhood cancer?
Conclusion
The study suggests that paternal smoking may increase the risk of childhood cancer, while maternal smoking does not show a significant trend.
Supporting Evidence
- Paternal smoking showed a statistically significant positive trend with childhood cancer risk.
- Maternal smoking did not show a significant trend with childhood cancer risk.
- The study used data from 555 children diagnosed with cancer and matched controls.
Takeaway
The study looked at kids with cancer and their parents' smoking habits. It found that dads who smoked might make it more likely for their kids to get cancer.
Methodology
The study compared smoking habits of parents of children diagnosed with cancer to those of parents of healthy children using matched pairs analyses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of hospital controls.
Limitations
Hospital control parents were unusually heavy smokers, which may affect the reliability of comparisons.
Participant Demographics
Children diagnosed with cancer between 1980-1983 and matched controls from GP lists and hospitals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website