Risk factors for tumors or leukemia development in the first two years of life

Objectives. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of neoplastic diseases and associated risk factors in the early stages of life. Methods. Data were retrospectively assessed in 730,000 live births between 2000 and 2019. The occurrence of tumors was monitored in the neonatal, infant (1-12 months), and toddler (13-24 months) periods. Risk factors were divided into demographic, internal, and environmental factors. The control group consisted of subjects in the same age category without oncological diseases. Results. A total of 452 neoplastic diseases were diagnosed in the study sample. In total, 24% (110/452) manifested during the neonatal period, 45% (203/452) in infants, and 31% (139/452) at the age of 13-24 months. Any genetic disease (OR 26.68; 95% CI 7.64-93.12) and medications used by the mother (OR 3.07; 95% CI 1.32-7.15) were identified as risk factors. Without adjustment for all factors, asphyxia in the first minute, a younger age of the mother, lower pregnancy, and the presence of a congenital defect manifested themselves as risk factors. Conclusions. The highest risk factors for the development of early childhood tumors were identified as with medications used by the mother before or during pregnancy and genetic diseases.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of neoplastic diseases in the early stages of life. The results identified medications used by the mother before or during pregnancy and genetic diseases as the highest risk factors for early childhood tumors.