Statistics and the Theory of Intrauterine Induction of Childhood Cancer

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Abstract
The theory is tested of prenatal genesis of childhood cancers. They are due to carcinogens delivered to the fetus via umbilical veins (exception: X-rays) and supplemented by endogenous products. Distribution of carcinogens, therefore, depends on the fetal blood circulation (exception; X-rays). In the fetus, blood of the upper aorta is richer in O2, nutrients and carcinogens than that of the descending aorta. More carcinogens are thus deposited in the upper than in the lower parts of the body. Hency, the cephalo-caudal law of childhood cancer. Only prenatally do all carcinogens act upon the vascular endo-thelium and the perivascular mesenchymal structures before the remainder contacts the epithelia. This is reversed in postnatal life, the epidermis and epithelia of the respiratory and alimentary tracts getting the brunt of exogenic action. Hence, in children the predominance of leukemia and of sarcoma both in mesenchymal organs and in those which in adults are the seat of carcinomas. However, organs in which capillaries run close to the epithelia have also in children more carcino-mas/gliomas than sarcomas. Among malignacies due to maternal X-ray examination leukemia and brain tumors are less and abdominal lesions more frequent than usual. This is because rays travel straight regardless of the blood circulation. To be effective prevention of childhood cancer has to start with the female half of the preceding generation.