Children with Leukaemia: Childcare could be beneficial
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2008 13:03
Childcare could be a "good thing" for reducing the risk of childhood leukaemia, a staff scientist at the charity Children with Leukaemia claims.
Dr Adrienne Morgan made the comment after research found that children who go to day care centres or play groups have a 30 per cent reduced risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Another study released at the Children with Leukaemia conference reviewed the evidence from studies that have investigated a link between infection and childhood leukaemia.
The researchers particularly looked at the role of infection during pregnancy and whether infection might be a factor influencing childhood leukaemia risk in situations where the population mix changes.
They concluded that whether infection during pregnancy or in situations of unusual patterns of population mixing influences the risk is inconclusive at present and that further research is necessary.
"Putting our review together with the new analysis on social interaction, we can say pretty confidently that childcare, breastfeeding and vaccination are good things," said Dr Morgan.
Children with Leukaemia chief executive Edward Copisarow added: "These findings are important because this is the first time the results of all the relevant studies have been put together and it clearly shows that there is an effect here.
"This is the kind of research that brings us a step closer to understanding the causes of this complex disease and how we can prevent it."
