Collegium Ramazzini Statement: Need to Enhance Research and Strengthen Policy for Prevention of Childhood Cancer
Keywords:
benzene, folic acid, breastfeeding, pesticides, tobacco, air pollution, radiation, radon, secondhand smokingAbstract
Incidence rates of many childhood cancers have increased at an average of about 1% per year in the U.S., Europe and Latin America. A growing literature links increased risk for childhood cancer to a range of exposures during preconception, pregnancy and early childhood. Tobacco, benzene and ionizing radiation are among the prenatal exposures linked to pediatric cancer. Exposures to pesticides and outdoor air pollution have emerged as additional risk factors for pediatric cancer. Breastfeeding and prenatal folic acid use are protective against pediatric cancers. The risks for pediatric cancer can be reduced by the international community focusing on prevention in public policies and enhancing efforts to reduce exposures to carcinogens during the prenatal period and early childhood.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ruth A. Etzel, MD, PhD, Mark Miller MD, MPH, Hannah Thompson, MD, MPH, Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc, Ludwine Castelyn, MD, Corrado Magnani, MD, Tommaso Filippini, MD, DrPH, PhD, Daniele Mandrioli, MD, PhD, Melissa A. McDiarmid, MD, MPH
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