Study: Fetal and Childhood Nutrition May Play Role in Breast Cancer

A reduction in caloric intake enough to reduce eventual adult height may reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, according to researchers at the Cancer Research Campaign.

The relationship of breast cancer to early reproductive development and height suggests that fetal and childhood nutrition may play a role in causing the cancer, according to the study published in the British Journal of Cancer.

During World War II, there was a marked reduction in the average intake of calories in Norway. Researchers speculated that a link might be seen between height and the risk of breast cancer that would be stronger in women born during this timeframe than in women born before or after the war.

A total of 25,204 Norwegian women were followed for 11 years, and 215 cases of breast cancer were registered.

Researchers found the strongest link between height and breast cancer in women born during World War II. Taller women inthis group had a greater risk of developing breast cancer than shorter women.

Among women born before or after World War II, there was no apparent link between breast cancer and height.

Other Sources: British Journal of Cancer