DES Info: NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics supports another project, “Early Life Exposures and Subsequent Cancer Risk,” conducted by principal investigator Robert Hoover. Concern has arisen that DES exposed daughters may be at a higher risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers, Exposure to high levels of endogenous estrogen in utero has been hypothesized to increase the risk of these cancers and DES is a potent estrogen. Cancer risk in the sons will also continue to be assessed, especially for increased risks of prostate cancer. Since the offspring who were exposed to DES in utero are currently reaching their late forties, when cancer rates begin to rise, it is important to continue the follow-up of these cohorts to determine if there are long-term increases in cancer risk. The project is also examining other pregnancy conditions associated with altered hormonal environments to help inform studies of risks associated with DES exposure.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:48:45 +0000