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Cancer research

Preeclampsia in First Pregnancy Linked to Cancer Risks in Later Life

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A major study of over 3.4 million women has found that having preeclampsia in the first pregnancy can influence the risk of developing certain types of cancer later in life. While the findings show a reduced risk for breast, cervical, and lung cancers, a significant increase in endometrial cancer risk was observed. The study analyzed data from Finland and Sweden, following women for 18 years after their first delivery.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed over 3.4 million females from Finland and Sweden who had given birth between 1973 and 2019.
  • 123,000 participants suffered from preeclampsia during their first delivery, which is a complication involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
  • Women with preeclampsia had a lower rate of any cancers in Sweden, but no statistical significance was observed in Finland.
  • Having preeclampsia reduced the risk of breast cancer by 10%, cervical cancer by 21-45%, and lung cancer by 28-37%.
  • Women in Finland with preeclampsia who had given birth to a boy saw a further 12% reduction in breast cancer risk compared to those who had given birth to a girl.
  • The risk of endometrial cancer increased by 28-46% for those who had experienced preeclampsia.
  • Pregnant women with preeclampsia had more preterm deliveries and their newborns tended to have lower birth weights.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 25 pregnancies in the UK is affected by preeclampsia (British Heart Foundation).
  • 10% reduction in breast cancer risk for women with preeclampsia.
  • 21-45% reduction in cervical cancer risk for women with preeclampsia.
  • 28% reduction in lung cancer risk for women with preeclampsia (Finland).
  • 28-46% increase in endometrial cancer risk for women with preeclampsia.
  • 18 years of follow-up for women with preeclampsia.

Sources:

  • BJC Reports - study published in the journal.
  • NHS - complications of preeclampsia.
  • British Heart Foundation - prevalence of preeclampsia.
  • News Medical - immune system activation theory behind reduced cancer risk.

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