Human research · meta-analysis

Freeman SJ et al., Frontiers in Pediatrics 2025

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 observational studies found that phototherapy for newborn jaundice was associated with 24% higher odds of a later cancer diagnosis (up to age 31); the association was strongest for blood cancers (OR 1.40) and solid-organ cancers were borderline (OR 1.18, lower CI 1.01). Because childhood cancer is rare, the authors estimate this would mean roughly 51 extra cancers per 100,000 treated children (an approximate illustration), and they stress it must be weighed against the serious harms of untreated high bilirubin. Association only; several studies did not adjust for confounders such as prematurity or bilirubin level.

Verified research card EL-20261018-10-R1