Abstract 4518: Highlighting the prenatal, natal, and early childhood risk factors of cancer: seeking better opportunities for cancer prevention

Abstract

Abstract Background: Fostering new public health approaches to cancer prevention is required to reduce the number of new cases. Early life exposures, to carcinogens may affect different phases of the multi-tage clonal expansion model of carcinogenesis. Critical development periods, in-utero and puberty, exposures may induce permanent changes in tissue differentiation, metabolism, and gene expression that influence cancer risk. Epigenetic modifications are also critical for regulating cellular processes and responses during development that are maintained overtime. Therefore, promising strategies should develop for cancer prevention mainly on environmental approaches. We aim in this study to assess the prevalence of risk factors of childhood cancer in Almadinah City, a local community in Saudi Arabia, and to address cancer prevention opportunities during prenatal, natal and early children life. Patients and Methods: The study is a cross section observational study. The population includes convenient samples of pregnant mothers, neonates and preschool children. Data regarding natal, prenatal and early childhood risk factors of cancer collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Results: Early life exposure to cancer risks increases prevalence of cancer. Risk factors like high birth weight, maternal obesity and smoking are the most frequent risks followed by chromosomal anomalies and genetic syndromes. Prenatal use of folic acid, breastfeeding and allergy, respectively, are the most frequent protective factors against cancer development. conclusions: Strict approaches should be designed for preventing early life exposures and their cumulative effect that can lead to cancer development. Citation Format: Abeer Abd Elmoneim, Ayat Roushdy, Ehab Metwally. Highlighting the prenatal, natal, and early childhood risk factors of cancer: seeking better opportunities for cancer prevention. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4518.