1. ¹Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, West Perth, Western Australia
2. ²Paediatric and Perinatal Pathologist, PathWest, PMH and KEMH Hospitals, Subiaco, Perth WA Clinical Senior Lecturer, Schools of Paediatrics and Child Health, and Women and Infants Health, University of Western Australia, Roberts Road, Subiaco, Western Australia

Correspondence: Dr E Milne, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, West Perth, Western Australia 6872, Australia. E-mail: lizm@ichr.uwa.edu.au

Revised 14 April 2008; Accepted 9 May 2008; Published online 17 June 2008.

Abstract

Using population-based linked health data, we investigated whether the risk of certain childhood non-CNS solid tumours (n=186) was associated with intra-uterine growth. The risk of retinoblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, but not other tumour types, was positively associated with increased growth, suggesting a possible role of fetal growth factors. Larger studies are needed.