An examination of antenatal factors in the aetiology of childhood malignancies. 2 v

This thesis investigated antenatal drug ingestion, alcohol consumption, smoking and X-ray exposure as potential carcinogens to the developing foetus. Data were derived from the Inter-Regional Epidemiological Study of Childhood Cancer (IRESCC), a case control study. Over the 3 year period (January 1980-January 1983) the study included 555 case children diagnosed with a malignancy living within a defined geographical area - Yorkshire, West Midlands and North West. In utero X-ray exposure appeared to be a risk factor in cases of leukaemia developing before 2 years of age. Examination of synergistic relationships between transplacental drug exposure and alcohol, smoking and X-rays failed to demonstrate any interactive effects. The results are put into the context of world research in this field. (author)