C-Sections Linked to Higher Childhood Cancer Risk

Planned Cesarean Deliveries Show Elevated Leukemia Incidence in Children

Children born via planned C-section may face a greater risk of developing cancer, specifically acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), according to a recent study. Researchers suggest the absence of natural birth stresses and exposure to bacteria could be factors.

Swedish Study Details

Scientists analyzed data encompassing nearly 2.5 million children born in Sweden between 1982-1989 and 1999-2015. The analysis revealed that 15.5% were delivered via C-section, categorized as either planned or emergency. Among them, 1,495 children later developed leukemia.

The study indicated a 21% higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children born by planned C-section compared to those born naturally. The risk jumped to 29% for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the most frequent ALL subtype, accounting for about 80% of childhood cases.

Boys and Younger Children at Higher Risk

The research, conducted by the **Karolinska Institute** in Stockholm and published in the *International Journal of Cancer*, also found that the increased risk was more noticeable in boys and younger children. Experts propose that the absence of stress from natural delivery and exposure to bacteria in the birth canal may contribute.

A similar connection has been observed with other health issues. Children delivered by planned C-section face increased rates of asthma and food allergies. In contrast, emergency C-sections—where labor begins naturally—may mitigate some risk due to partial exposure.

Expert Weighs In

**Dr. Christina-Evmorfia Kampitsi**, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of C-sections in obstetric care, stating: “C-sections are an important and often life-saving part of obstetric care. We don’t want mothers to feel anxious about medically indicated C-sections. But when this result is combined with other study results showing that the risk of later asthma, allergies or type 1 diabetes increases in children born by planned C-section, there is reason to discuss C-sections that are not medically indicated.”

While these findings present potential concerns, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that C-section rates in the United States remain high, with approximately 32% of births occurring via C-section (ACOG, 2023). Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of C-sections on child health.