"Research has shown that children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at a higher risk of developing cancer and other potentially life-altering conditions. Fortunately, resources are available. If your child with cerebral palsy has also been diagnosed with cancer, learn how Cerebral Palsy Guide may be able to help. Yes, there is a link between cerebral palsy (CP) and cancer. According to a 2022 study in the medical journal Preventive Medicine Reports, children with CP are 64 times more likely to develop adult-onset chronic diseases, including cancer.
Additionally, an American cohort study (ongoing research that follows a group of people over time) found that adults with cerebral palsy had a higher risk of death due to colon and breast cancers.
There isn't direct evidence linking cerebral palsy as a primary risk factor for cancer. However, research shows that there are certain characteristics that many people with CP share that could contribute to higher cancer rates.
Factors with suspected links include:
A) Intellectual disability: The same 2022 study revealed that people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to develop chronic diseases, including cancer.
B) Obesity: Children with CP have higher obesity rates, which increases cancer risk. One reason is that fat tissues secrete excess estrogen, leading to a higher risk of breast, ovarian, endometrial, and other types of cancer.
C) Severe motor impairment: A study revealed that severe motor impairment due to spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness) is associated with higher rates of chronic diseases such as cancer.
Cancer symptoms vary widely based on the type, location, and stage of the disease. However, many forms of cancer share some general warning signs. Early cancer warning signs include:
- Change in bowel habits or bladder function
- Chronic fatigue (tiredness) that is new
- Lumps or swelling that grow over time
- Night sweats or fever without any obvious reason
- Persistent cough or shortness of breath
- Sores that don’t heal
- Unexplained pain
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite"
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All of this information was provided by and for more information contact: Amie Kroessig | Patient Help Advocate | Winter Springs, FL | amie.kroessig@cerebralpalsyguide.com