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Updated: Sep 26, 2025
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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Cancer risk in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Q Liu1, W Yin1, J J Meijsen2
1Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do not have a higher cancer risk on their own. The increased risk observed is linked to co-occurring intellectual disability and birth defects in ASD patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The relationship between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and cancer risk is not well-established.
- Previous studies have not definitively determined if individuals with ASD have a higher likelihood of developing cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and the risk of developing cancer.
- To determine if ASD itself, or co-occurring conditions, contribute to cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- A large population-based cohort study in Sweden included over 2.3 million individuals.
- Data were collected from birth years 1987-2013, with follow-up through 2016.
- Cancer risk in individuals with ASD was analyzed using logistic regression, sibling comparisons, and genetic correlation analyses.
Main Results:
- An overall increased cancer risk was observed in individuals with ASD (OR 1.3).
- The elevated risk was primarily associated with ASD with co-occurring birth defects and/or intellectual disability (ID).
- ASD without co-occurring ID or birth defects showed no increased cancer risk (OR 1.0).
Conclusions:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) alone is not linked to an increased cancer risk.
- The heightened cancer risk in individuals with ASD is mainly attributed to associated intellectual disability and/or birth defects.
- Familial or genetic confounding factors did not significantly explain the observed associations.
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