[Fetal growth, pre-eclampsia and adult breast cancer risk]

Studies of the association between birth weight and future breast cancer risk have shown inconsistent results, but women born after preeclamptic pregnancies may have a risk reduction of more than 50% compared to other women. In this review we have examined the literature on the association between perinatal factors and adult risk of breast cancer.

We searched Medline for published literature until February 1, 2002 and included references that were not available through Medline, but have been referenced in other articles.

Papers published until the beginning of 2002 suggest that birth weight is positively, but not strongly, associated with future risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, women who were exposed to preeclampsia in utero have a striking reduction in breast cancer risk compared to women whose mothers had uncomplicated pregnancies. Besides, dizygotic twins appear to be at increased risk, whereas monozygotic twins may have a reduced risk of breast cancer, compared to the general population.

The literature published until the beginning of 2002 suggests that factors that operate in utero are associated with future risk of breast cancer. Factors that increase growth velocity may be related to increased risk, whereas factors with anti-oestrogenic properties may have a protective effect.