Primal Health Databank: Study
| Entry No: | 0071 |
| Title: | Birthweight as a risk factor for breast cancer |
| Author(s): | Michels K, Trichopoulos D, et al. |
| Reference: | Lancet 1996; 348: 1542-46 |
| Place of Study: | Harvard School of Public Health, US |
| Abstract: | This case control study was nested within the cohorts of two Nurses' studies. Information was obtained via questionnaires from the mothers of 582 nurses with breast cancer and the mothers of 1569 nurses who did not have breast cancer. Birth weight was a significant predictor of breast cancer risk. Women who weighed 4000g or more at birth represent the reference category. The relative risk was 0.86 for birth weight of 3500 - 3999, 0.68 for birth weight of 3000 - 3499, 0.66 for birth weight of 2500 - 2999, and 0.65 for birth weight below 2500. Prematurity was not significantly associated with a risk of breast cancer. |
| Keyword(s): | birth weight, breast cancer, prematurity |
| Discussion: | As in many studies relating an adult disease to birth weight, birth order has not been taken into consideration. Yet birth order is the best known single factor influencing birth weight. For example according to a British calculation the average difference in birth weight between first born and second born children is 138 grams. (see Odent M., Tsujino J., Studies exploring health in relation to intrauterine life should look at birth order. BMJ 1997; 314:1416) |
| See Also: | No related entries mentioned for this entry |
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