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Cancer link between mother and baby proven

Professor Mel Greaves

Cancer passed from a 28-year-old Japanese mother to her baby, something that was theorized as possible but not proven.

A study led by Professor Mel Greaves of the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton, Surrey, has proven that it’s possible for cancer cells to be transferred from a mother to a baby while in the womb.

The study involved a Japanese woman who was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after giving birth. When the baby was tested eleven months later, doctors gave the baby the same leukemia diagnosis.

Doctors focused on the child’s blood cells and the leukemia cells in the blood. Studies on the child’s blood cells proved that the child had the disease at birth and that it originated from the mother. Additional studies on the leukemia cells showed that a fundamental piece of DNA was missing that would cause the baby’s immune system to flag the leukemia cells as intruders.

In the majority of cases, a child’s immune system is able to recognize and destroy cancer cells. In fact, only about 30 cases of mother-to-baby transfer of cancer have been noted in medical literature (typically only leukemia or melanoma), and those studies were never able to show that the cancer originated from the mother. This being the case, transfer of cancer from a mother to her baby is exceedingly rare.

“This is an extremely unusual case, but this study is particularly revealing because it suggests that the cancer cells could only cause a problem in the baby by evading their immune system,” said Professor Peter Johnson of Cancer Research U.K.

“This is really important research as it adds to the evidence that cancers need to evade the immune system before they can grow, giving hope that by alerting a patient’s immune system to a cancer we can develop new types of treatment.”

“Women needing cancer treatment around the time of having a baby who are worried about this research should speak to the specialists looking after them for advice.”

         

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Our Top Twenty Recommendations For Protecting Your Baby In The Sun

With most of Britain enjoying a glorious day of sunshine, and predictions of the ‘best yet to come’… here at Babychums, we thought we’d share with you some tips on keeping your little ones protected in all that sun.

Babies have very sensitive skin which burns easier than adult skin and more at risk of sun damage. Experts now believe that if parents protect their children’s skin when they are young, it can significantly reduce the risk of melanoma (deadly form of skin cancer) and chances of premature aging later on in life.

1. For babies under the age of 6 months, use sunscreen sparingly on small parts of the body, such as the feet, under the chin or forearms.
2. Sunscreen will never 100% protect your child, and there are now concerns about some of the chemicals found in some brands. Use sunscreen which is specifically for young children or babies which will offer UVB and UVA protection. Ideally, try and find at least SPF 25. Remember to replace sunscreen every year as they will become less effective with age.
3. If lotions are too messy, consider using sunscreen sprays - not only are they quick and convenient, but children love them.
4. Allergies are rare, but if your child’s skin becomes irritated, it is usually due to the perfume or fragrance. Try using an organic, chemical free alternative.
5. Try and keep them in the shade and avoid direct sunlight. You may want to look out for sun protected clothing.
6. Apply sun cream 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen time to work, and reapply every 2 hours you are outside. Remember give your baby a good bath and clean their skin so they can go to bed feeling fresh.
7. As most young babies are either bald or have very fine hair, it is important to protect their scalp from the sun. Look out for a sun block specifically designed to offer scalp protection, or use a hat. Ideally, find a hat that shades their face and covers up their neck and ears. For young children, having a strap on a hat will help keep it on their head and stop them pulling it off.
8. Use a parasol on your buggy to help keep little ones in the shade when out and about. Ideally, one which you can move around to block the sun. Alternatively, you could cover the pram with material which casts a dark shadow.
9. Even when it is cloudy, babies can still get burned and you may need to use sunscreen to protect them.
10. Dress your baby in long sleeved tops and bottoms which are 100% cotton. Not only will your baby keep cool, but their skin will be more protected.
11. Make sure your baby is well hydrated, offer them liquids often, either water or milk.
12. If your child has been weaned, they may enjoy a frozen fruit lolly as a special treat to help keep them cool. Try making some at home, just dilute some juice with water and freeze over night in lolly containers.
13. Avoid going outside during the late morning until early afternoon (between 11am and 3pm) when the sun is the strongest. Try and plan your day so outdoor activities so your child is not over exposed to the sun.
14. If you are driving about, consider investing in some car sun shades for the back seats. Little ones might find the bright light too strong, and if you want them to sleep, it will make it more comfortable. Although glass reduces the transmission of most UVR, it is still possible to get sun burnt. Window sun shades or glass tinting will provide extra sun protection.
15. There are some great swimming costumes available for young babies now, which not only cover them up, but provide excellent UV protection.
16. Don’t forget their eyes - this is the second most high risk area of developing skin cancer. Toddlers often love to wear sun glasses, look out for ones with UV-blocking filters. For younger kids, there are some great shades you can get which strap around the head to stop them falling off.
17. If you want to give you baby some nappy off time, fresh air is more effective then sunlight, so make sure they are shaded.
18. Take a look at the UV sun tents which you can buy, a great way for your child to play safely outside without burning.
19. If you baby does get a sunburn, try giving them a bath in slightly cooler water. Either apply soothing aloe vera gel on the burnt skin (if they are old enough) or try applying cool wet compresses to the skin.
20. If blisters ever appear on the skin, seek medical assistance.