Link Between Prenatal Chemical Exposure and Childhood Cancers
Experts highlighted the critical importance of the prenatal period by drawing attention to the effects of environmental pollution and pesticides on childhood cancers.
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Bayram, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Specialist at Yeditepe University Hospitals, stated that exposure to chemicals in the womb and early childhood lays the groundwork for cancer.
Relationship Between Environmental Pollution and Cancer
While there are many factors in the emergence of diseases, in recent years the effects of environmental pollution on childhood cancers have drawn attention.
Research reveals that many factors, ranging from air pollution to pesticides, are linked to childhood cancers.
Most Common Cancer Types
Although variations exist depending on the type, the relationship of environmental factors is known more clearly in leukemia and lymphomas, which are the most common cancer types.
Among childhood cancers, acute leukemia is the most frequently seen, followed by lymphomas and central nervous system tumors.
Sensitive Period: The Womb
Children, as a growing organism, are affected much more than adults by industrial waste, air pollution, and chemical residues in food.
The pregnancy period stands out as the most sensitive process because rapid cell division can be adversely affected by external factors.
Immune System and Pesticides
Unclean air, water, and food sources weaken the immune system, making it difficult for cancer cells to be recognized by the immune system.
Research shows that children with leukemia have higher pesticide residues in their bone marrow compared to healthy children.
Genetic Predisposition and Precautions to Take
It is stated that a genetic predisposition underlies approximately 20 percent of childhood cancers.
It is recommended that pregnant women stay away from chemical substances and products such as hair dye, and pay attention to ensuring that the foods consumed are free of residues.