News - National
What grandma ate while pregnant affects cancer rates
Posted: Apr 20, 2010 2:24 PM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Apr 20, 2010 2:24 PM
Whether grandma splurged on a high fat diet during pregnancy may predict her daughter's -- and granddaughter's -- risk for breast cancer.
A study of pregnant rats found those fed a high fat diet had offspring with genetic differences that increased their risk for breast cancer by as much as 80 percent. The risk was present even if the rat had a son -- and that male went on to have a daughter.
Researchers found the risk was not linked to increased estrogen production that sometimes comes with a high fat diet -- rather other factors are at work.
The study was done at Georgetown University. Experts say more studies are needed.
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