Early Life and Risk of Breast Cancer
Abstract
The objective was to study was to investigate the influences of birth weight and growth during childhood and adolescence on risk of breast cancer. Information on birth weight, yearly measurements of weight and height during the school years, and age at menarche was obtained for 161,000 girls born from 1930 to 1975 who attended school in Copenhagen, Denmark. This information was computerized and linked to the Danish Civil Registration System (CRS) using an algorithm that matched on birth date and name. The CRS includes information about name, place of birth, and parental identity on all Danish residents and is updated daily with respect to vital information and migration status. This resulted in the identification of CRS numbers for 141,481 girls (88%). Using the CRS number, information on the incidence of pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer was obtained from the Danish Cancer Registry. Followup for breast cancer began April 1, 1968, or the date of birth, whichever came last, and continued until a diagnosis of cancer, death, emigration, or 31 August 2000, whichever came first. During the years of followup, 3,340 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. High birth weight, early age at peak growth, greater height, and low BMI at 14 years of age were found to be independent risk factors for breast cancer. Height at age 8 years and the increment in height during puberty (age 8 to 14 years) also were associated with breast cancer. The attributable risk of birth weight, height at age 14 years, BMI at age 14 years, and age at peak growth were 7 percent, 15 percent, 15 percent, and 9 percent, respectively. The authors conclude that high birth weight and growth during childhood and adolescence influence breast cancer risk.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA431873
Entities
People
- Mads Melbye