New Insights: Congenital Heart Defects Increase Cancer Risk
Seoul, Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
Recent research from Samsung Medical Center shows newborns with congenital heart defects and their mothers may face a significant increase in cancer risk, emphasizing the need for integrated healthcare strategies.
Groundbreaking Research Reveals Significant Risk Patterns
A comprehensive analysis of over 3.5 million live births in Korea from 2005 to 2019 has revealed startling statistics about cancer risk in children with congenital heart defects (CHDs). The study, completed in 2024, found that newborns with CHDs showed a 66% higher incidence of cancer compared to those without heart defects [1]. Most concerning was the discovery that cancer risk more than doubled in newborns with defects involving blood vessels or heart valves, and was two times higher among those with complex congenital heart disease [1].
Cancer Patterns and Maternal Risk Factors
The research identified specific cancer patterns among affected children, with leukemia accounting for 21% of cases and non-Hodgkin lymphoma representing 11% of diagnoses [1]. Notably, the study also uncovered increased cancer risks for mothers, with those who gave birth to newborns with CHDs showing a 17% higher likelihood of cancer diagnosis within a 10-year follow-up period [1]. These findings suggest a potential genetic link between maternal health and congenital heart defects, highlighting the need for comprehensive family-based medical monitoring.
Implications for Healthcare Systems
The findings necessitate a reevaluation of current healthcare protocols. Dr. June Huh, Professor of Cardiology at Samsung Medical Center, emphasizes that genetic variants inherited from mothers may create conditions conducive to cancer development in CHD patients [1]. This research aligns with other ongoing studies in Korea, such as the comprehensive healthcare initiatives demonstrated by the Korean Cerebral Palsy Registry (KCPR), which exemplifies the nation’s commitment to thorough, long-term medical monitoring of chronic conditions [3].
Future Directions and Preventive Measures
Healthcare providers are now advocating for enhanced screening protocols and integrated care approaches. The findings suggest that both newborns with CHDs and their mothers require careful long-term monitoring for cancer risk [1]. As stated by Dr. Lopez, Chair of the Association’s Young Hearts Congenital Cardiac Defects Committee, further exploration is needed to understand the environmental factors and stress-related changes that may link CHDs with maternal cancer risk [1]. This represents a crucial step forward in preventive healthcare and family-centered medical care.