As more women delay motherhood for various personal and professional reasons, concerns about potential health risks associated with late pregnancy have often come to the forefront. One of the question is whether having children later in life increases their risk of developing cancer. Let's understand! Published: September 24, 2024 4:43 PM IST By In recent years, many people have been choosing to have children in the later part of adult life.
As this trend continues, an important question arises: does being an older parent increase the risk of cancer for your child? This issue has prompted debate among experts, with some studies suggesting a potential link between parental age and cancer risk in offspring. What Is Childhood Cancer? Childhood cancer refers to cancer that occurs in children from birth through adolescence. Although cancer is less common in children than in adults, it remains a significant concern and the leading cause of death by disease among children in many countries.
Childhood cancers are distinct from those that occur in adults, both in terms of varieties and their behavior. Parental Age and Cancer Risk Research indicates that advanced parental age (i.e.
40 years or older) at the time of conception may be associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancer in children. This connection is thought to arise from accumulation of genetic mutations in sperms and egg cells as individuals age. Studies have particularly highlighted an increased risk of childhood.