High birth weight has been associated with
subsequent increased risk of breast cancer in the
infant's mother, possibly related to maternal
estrogen and growth factor pathways.
However, its association with maternal risk of
colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer
among women, is unknown.
Researchers conducted a national cohort study of
1,838,509 mothers who delivered 3,590,523 babies in
Sweden in 1973-2008, followed up for colorectal
cancer incidence through 2009.
There were 7,318 mothers diagnosed with colorectal
cancer in 36.8 million person-years of follow-up.
After adjusting for maternal age, body mass index,
diabetes, and other potential confounders, high
fetal growth was associated with a subsequent
increased risk of colorectal cancer in the mother.
Each 1,000 g increase in the infant's birth weight
was associated with a 12% increase in the mother's
subsequent risk of colorectal cancer.
Multiple gestation also was independently associated
with increased maternal risk of colorectal cancer.
In this large cohort study, high fetal growth and
multiple gestation were independently associated
with subsequent higher maternal risk of colorectal
cancer. These findings warrant further investigation
of maternal growth factor and estrogen pathways in
the etiology of colorectal cancer.
If confirmed, our findings may help identify
subgroups of women at high risk of colorectal
cancer.
For more information
American Association for Cancer Research
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
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