Low birthweight girls may have cancer risk

A new study found a range of factors that could influence the chance of early periods (generally before the age of 11), which has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer in later life.

Scientists from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), found mothers who smoked or suffered pre-eclampsia (a condition linked to high blood pressure) in pregnancy were more likely to have daughters who started their periods young.

Other factors include low birth weight, babies who were not breastfed and who were born as a single child, had fewer siblings, were an elder sibling or were from ethnic backgrounds other than white.

The study also confirmed previous research that girls who were heavier or taller than their peers when they were seven, and who exercised little as children, were more likely to start their periods young.