A study published in Circulation suggests that congenital heart defects (CHD) may increase the cancer risk for both babies and their mothers. CHD, which affects about 12 in 1,000 U.S. births, ranges from mild abnormalities to severe malformations, and medical advances have helped many children live longer, but they may face a higher risk of cancer.
Researchers analyzed health data from over 3.5 million live births in South Korea between 2005 and 2019, tracking infants and mothers for an average of 10 years. The study found:
- Babies with CHD had a 66% higher overall risk of cancer than those without.
- Cancer risk was more than double in infants with heart defects involving blood vessels or valves.
- Leukemia (21%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (11%) were the most common cancers in both groups.
- Mothers of babies with CHD were 17% more likely to develop cancer over the next 10 years.
The reason for the higher risk in mothers remains unclear, but researchers suggest that shared genetic factors may play a role. Dr. Keila N. Lopez, a volunteer expert with the American Heart Association, said that stress related to raising a child with a congenital heart defect might also contribute to the risk.
The study emphasizes the need for lifelong care and monitoring for children with CHD. While the findings come from South Korea, they may be relevant to other populations as well.
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