Cancer risk and non-chromosomal birth defects--using Big Data

Big data sets are impressive when used carefully in epidemiological research. The Archivist has always been aware that various birth defects and some non-chromosomal syndromes are associated with the risk of developing cancer later in life. What do we know about these associations? In a large population-based registry study of over 10 million children in the United States of America (USA), Lupo PL et al. [JAMA Oncol 2019. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.1215] have assessed the cancer risk among children with birth defects. Forty specific birth defect–childhood cancer associations were identified, including several novel associations. The Archivist was reminded that the incidence of birth defects were as common as 1 in 33 children. This study identified specific birth defect–childhood cancer (BD-CC) associations and characterised cancer risk in children with a number of non-chromosomal birth defects. They examined the big data in a population-based registry linkage study using pooled state-wide data on births, birth defects, and...

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