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A new study from Sweden suggests that children born via planned caesarean section (C-section) may face a higher risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common form of childhood blood cancer, compared to those delivered vaginally or through emergency C-section.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet analyzed data from nearly 2.5 million children born in Sweden between 1982–1989 and 1999–2015. Of these, over 375,000 were delivered by C-section, and 1,495 later developed leukaemia. The findings, published in the International Journal of Cancer, indicate that children born by any C-section were 7% more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukaemia than those born vaginally. More notably, the risk was 21% higher for children delivered by planned C-section compared to those born via emergency C-section.
The study highlights a possible explanation: during emergency C-sections, which often begin as vaginal deliveries, babies are exposed to maternal vaginal bacteria and experience birth-related stress. In contrast, planned C-sections, typically performed before labor begins, do not provide this exposure. Researchers believe these differences in early microbial and immunological experiences may influence the risk of developing certain diseases, including leukaemia.
Lead author Christina-Evmorfia Kampitsi emphasized that while the findings are significant, the overall risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia remains low. “We don’t want mothers to feel anxious about medically indicated C-sections,” she said, noting that the results should prompt discussions about the necessity of non-medically indicated planned C-sections.
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This article summarizes recent scientific findings and does not constitute medical advice. The risk of childhood leukaemia remains rare, and C-sections are often essential, life-saving procedures. Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about delivery methods based on their unique medical circumstances.
