Overview of recent studies on childhood leukaemia, intra-uterine growth and diet

Many studies have looked at the association between birth weight and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children, but few have been able to examine the growth by incorporating estimates of gestational age. Recent results suggest that increased growth is associated with increased risk of childhood leukaemia. Evidence is also gathering that certain dietary intakes, possibly folate, in mothers, are also related to leukaemia occurrence. If these associations are real, they may be operating through growth factor pathways.