Newborns with Congenital Heart Defects Face Elevated Cancer Risk
Newborns with Congenital Heart Defects Face Elevated Cancer Risk – Summary
Source: Circulation/AHA/ASA Journal/Published 17 March 20252025.
Key Findings:
1. Increased Cancer Risk in Newborns with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)
• Newborns with CHD have a 66% higher risk of developing childhood cancer compared to those without CHD.
• The risk is particularly high in cases where the heart defect involves valves or blood vessels.
• Leukemia (21%) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (11%) are the most common cancers observed.
2. Elevated Cancer Risk in Mothers of CHD Newborns
• Mothers of newborns with CHD were 17% more likely to develop cancer within 10 years after childbirth.
• The reason for this increased risk remains unclear, but genetic factors and maternal health may play a role.
3. Possible Explanations & Expert Insights
• Some experts suggest that stress associated with raising a child with CHD could contribute to an increased cancer risk.
