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Impact of maternal and offspring smoking and breastfeeding on oesophageal cancer in adult offspring

Author

Listed:
  • Yixue Wang

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

  • Hongru Sun

    (Harbin Medical University)

  • Gen Li

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

  • Jingxue Xu

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

  • Siyu Wang

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

  • Shijie Zhang

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

  • Tianle Zhou

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

  • Tianshu Han

    (Harbin Medical University)

  • Changhao Sun

    (Harbin Medical University)

  • Jianqun Ma

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

  • Xiaoyuan Wang

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

  • Hang Yin

    (Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital)

Abstract

Numerous risk factors for oesophageal cancer are linked to lifestyle habits, but the role of early-life factors in its incidence and mortality is unclear. Using UK Biobank data, we explore the association among breastfeeding, maternal smoking, smoking in offspring, and oesophageal cancer risk in adult offspring via multivariable Cox regression. Here, we show that being breastfed, compared with not being breastfed, is associated with a lower risk of oesophageal cancer incidence (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.98) and mortality (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61–0.89) in adult offspring. Additionally, it is associated with a reduced impact of smoking in offspring on oesophageal cancer incidence (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64-0.96) and mortality (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59-0.91). We subsequently construct a polygenic risk score for oesophageal cancer to explore the influence of genetic factors. Our findings emphasize the importance of breastfeeding, and smoking cessation to prevent oesophageal cancer.

Suggested Citation

  • Yixue Wang & Hongru Sun & Gen Li & Jingxue Xu & Siyu Wang & Shijie Zhang & Tianle Zhou & Tianshu Han & Changhao Sun & Jianqun Ma & Xiaoyuan Wang & Hang Yin, 2025. "Impact of maternal and offspring smoking and breastfeeding on oesophageal cancer in adult offspring," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56252-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56252-8
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