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Updated: May 10, 2026
07:08
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Prenatal DES exposure in relation to breast size
Julie R Palmer1, Deborah A Boggs, Elizabeth E Hatch
1Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, 1010 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA. jpalmer@bu.edu
Cancer Causes & Control : CCC
|June 19, 2013
Summary
Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) may increase mammary gland mass, indicated by larger bra cup size. This suggests a potential mechanism linking in utero DES exposure to higher breast cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure is linked to increased breast cancer risk.
- The underlying mechanisms for this association remain unclear.
- Larger bra cup size has been inconsistently associated with breast cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between prenatal DES exposure and mammary gland mass.
- Mammary gland mass was estimated using bra cup size measurements.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 3,222 DES-exposed and 1,463 unexposed women in 2006.
- Participants reported bra cup size, band size, and weight at age 20.
- Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated, controlling for birth year and cohort, with primary analysis restricted to women with a chest circumference of 32 inches or less.
Main Results:
- DES-exposed women showed a 45% increased prevalence of large bra cup size (C or greater) compared to unexposed women.
- This association was stronger in women with a body mass index under 21 at age 20 (PR=1.83).
- High-dose DES exposure was associated with increased bra cup size (PR=1.67), while low-dose exposure showed no significant association.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that in utero DES exposure can lead to increased mammary gland mass.
- This suggests a potential mechanism linking prenatal DES exposure to elevated breast cancer risk.
- Further research may elucidate the role of mammary gland development in DES-related carcinogenesis.
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