According to the report released in 2000 from the American Cancer Society (ACS), brain cancer is the second most common cancer found in children right after leukemia. It affects boys more than girls, and is most common among Caucasian children younger than seven years old. Although we still do not have a clear understanding of its cause, some risk factors are known.
Family History and Genetic Conditions
According to 2001 information from the National Cancer Institute, some pediatric brain cancer patients have a genetic mutation that seems to have increased their risk for cancer. This reflects a very small percentage of the patients, however. It is also possible that parental exposure to certain chemicals may have changed the structure of certain genes that protect the brain from cancers. This type of increased risk for brain cancer can be found in the children of people who have worked, for example, in oil refining, or rubber manufacturing. Several genetic and chromosomal conditions, such as neurofibromatosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease, tuberous sclerosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma and Down syndrome increase the risk for brain cancer slightly.
Environmental Risk Factors
Several environmental factors been linked to brain cancer. Among them are pesticides, although the risk does not seem to be very big, and some studies did not find any connection. Yet, Dr. Zahm reported in his review study published in "Environmental Health Perspectives" journal in 1998 that 17 studies had shown that exposure to pesticides was associated with increased risk for kinds of cancer types, including brain cancer in children. Dr. Pogoda reported in the same journal in 1997 that especially in young children under the age of five, flea and tick products that were used in homes were connected to brain cancer. Also, a study published in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention" journal in 1996, associated a compound called N nitroso that is found in bacon, ham, and sausages with pediatric brain cancer. The results concerning parental smoking and exposure to certain drugs, such as anesthetic or antinausea drugs, are somewhat contradictory. Some studies have found a link between these and brain cancer, and others have not. The same can be said about the electromagnetic fields and pediatric brain cancer.
Ionizing Radiation
Dr. Preston-Martin notes in a study published in Vol 5 of "Neurological Clinics" journal in 1996 that the clearest risk for brain cancer is exposure to all kinds of radiation, but especially to the head. In most cases, this kind of radiation is related to treating other cancers. Interestingly, the risk for brain cancer did not increase in the Hiroshima atomic bomb survivors.
References
- "Environmental Health Perspectives"; Pesticides and Childhood Cancer; Zahm, Ward; vol. 106, 1998.
- "Cancer Epidemiology"; Maternal consumption of cured meats and vitamins in relation to pediatric brain tumors.; Preston-Martin; vol.5, 599-605; 1996.
- "Environmental Health Perspectives"; Household pesticides and risk of pediatric brain tumors.; Pogoda, Preston-Martin 1997; 105:1214-20.
- "National Cancer Institute" report; CNS and miscellaneous intracranial and intraspinal neoplasms.; Gurney; 51-63, 2001.
- "Neurologic Clinics"; Epidemiology of primary CNS neoplasms.; Preston-Martin S.; vol.14, 273-290, 1996.
