Kathleen[a]
Lancet Oncology. 2006; 7: 39-42
Large Head Circumference at Birth Associated with Higher Risk of Brain Cancer in Children
According to a recent article published in Lancet Oncology, children with a large head circumference at birth (35 cm or greater) have a significantly increased risk of developing brain cancer during their childhood than children born with smaller head circumferences. This risk continues to rise with increasing head circumference.
Behind leukemias and lymphomas, brain cancers are the most common type of childhood cancers. There are several different types of brain cancers that can occur in children; they are distinguished by the cell within the brain where the cancer originates and by how aggressive the cancer is. Prognosis of children with brain cancer depends upon the type of brain cancer, the extent to which it has spread, the location within the brain, and the child's age and general health. Researchers continue to evaluate possible variables that may be associated with the development of childhood brain cancers.
Researchers from Norway recently conducted a study in which data was analyzed involving head circumference at birth and the rate of childhood brain cancers. Over one million individuals were studied. Data was taken from the Norwegian medical birth registry from 1978-1998 and the Norwegian cancer registry from 1978-2002. In addition, researchers evaluated several other variables that may be associated with childhood brain cancers.
Every individual was followed until the age of 16, age of first cancer diagnosis, death, emigration, or December 31, 2002. After evaluating other variables such as gestational age, sex, and birth weight, the researchers found a significantly higher rate of childhood brain cancers in children who had a large head circumference at birth-for every 1 centimeter increase in head circumference at birth after 35 centimeters, the risk of childhood brain cancer was increased by 27%.
The researchers concluded that it appears that a large head circumference at birth is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing childhood brain cancer. The researchers suggest that the origins of childhood brain cancer may begin during fetal life. Parents of children who are born with a large head circumference may wish to be aware of symptoms of brain cancer so their children may be appropriately monitored.
Reference: SamuelsenS, Bakketeig L, Tretli S, et al. Head Circumference at Birth and Risk of Brain Cancer in Childhood; a Population-Based Study. Lancet Oncology. 2006; 7: 39-42.