- A study by Sweden's Karolinska Institutet indicates that children born via planned Caesarean sections may have an increased risk of developing certain childhood cancers.
- The research, which analysed nearly 2.5 million children, found a 21 per cent higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and a 29 per cent higher risk of B-cell ALL in those born by planned C-section compared to vaginal births.
- This elevated cancer risk was more pronounced in boys and during a child's early life, with researchers suggesting factors such as the absence of stress or exposure to vaginal bacteria during planned procedures.
- Despite these findings, the researchers emphasised that the overall risk of developing these cancers remains low, irrespective of the delivery method.
- The study underscores the importance of medically indicated C-sections but suggests a discussion is warranted for non-medically necessary procedures.
IN FULL
Planned C-sections can increase the risk of certain childhood cancers, researchers say
