Study Links Planned C-Sections to Increased Leukaemia Risk in Children

A recent study conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet has found a potential link between planned caesarean sections and an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in children. Published in the International Journal of Cancer on July 7, 2025, the research analyzed data from nearly 2.5 million children born in Sweden between 1982 and 2015, revealing concerning implications for childbirth practices.

The study indicates that children born via planned C-section had a 21% higher risk of developing ALL compared to those delivered through emergency C-sections, which typically begin as vaginal deliveries. This distinction may stem from the different exposures each delivery method provides. Emergency C-sections often involve exposure to vaginal bacteria when labor begins, whereas planned C-sections are performed before labor and do not expose the infant to these bacteria.

Lead author Christina-Evmorfia Kampitsi, a researcher at Karolinska Institutet, emphasized the importance of this finding in the broader context of maternal health and child development. “We don’t want mothers to feel anxious about medically indicated C-sections. However, the cumulative evidence suggesting increased risks of asthma, allergies, and type 1 diabetes in children born via planned C-section warrants discussion regarding non-medically indicated procedures,” Kampitsi stated.

The data used in the study was sourced from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, which provided a comprehensive view of births over a significant timeframe. Of the total cohort, 15.5% (approximately 375,000) were born via C-section, and among these, 1,495 cases of leukaemia were identified. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding childbirth methods, especially as C-sections have become more prevalent in many parts of the world.

According to Dr. Lars Andersson, an oncologist at Karolinska University Hospital, “The potential link between planned C-sections and ALL is an important discovery that could reshape how we approach delivery methods, particularly in cases where a C-section is not medically necessary.”

The implications of the study extend beyond immediate health concerns, raising questions about the long-term health outcomes of children born through various delivery methods. The research highlights a need for further investigation into the immunological factors at play during childbirth and their potential influence on childhood cancers.

Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has noted a significant rise in C-section rates over the last few decades, with some regions reporting rates exceeding 50%. This trend has sparked debates among healthcare professionals regarding the appropriateness of C-sections when not warranted by medical necessity.

As the healthcare community strives to balance the benefits and risks associated with planned C-sections, this study serves as a critical reminder of the need for careful consideration in childbirth practices. Future research will be essential in understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these observed risks, ensuring that parents can make informed decisions about the delivery method that is best for their child’s health.

In conclusion, while planned C-sections can be lifesaving in certain circumstances, this study underscores the importance of comprehensive maternal-fetal health discussions, particularly when considering elective procedures. The findings may encourage a reevaluation of current practices, aiming to minimize unnecessary interventions while safeguarding the health of future generations.