Children, the environment and cancer

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Children, the environment and cancer

Much of the research on the links between the environment and cancer has focused on exposure in adults. There has been less research looking at the impact of these links early in life – either while the fetus is in the uterus or after a baby has been born.

This information is important because researchers believe that children may be more vulnerable to substances that may increase the risk of cancer, cause birth defects, or interfere with the normal hormonal system in the body. There are several reasons for this:

* Children may absorb more environmental contaminants because they breathe, eat and drink more than adults relative to their body weight.

* Children, especially infants and toddlers, sit more often on the ground and crawl to explore areas where adults typically don't go. As they do, they often put their hands and fingers into their mouths.

* There are periods during normal human development when exposure may pose more harm than during other parts of life. For example, the risk of developing cancer is greater among children exposed to radiation than it is for adults exposed to the same amount of radiation.

* There is a possibility that studies looking at exposure to cancer-causing substances in adults or animals may underestimate the risks of cancer in children. Specific studies in children will help us to better understand what children are being exposed to and can help identify risk factors for specific cancers over time.

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