Increased risk of cancer in early life among individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Results from a recently completed population-based cohort study at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden determined that "individuals with autism spectrum disorders, when present with comorbid intellectual disability and/or birth defects, were at a higher risk of cancer in early life."  With a focus on autism spectrum patients diagnosed with cancer before age 30, the study concluded that "autism spectrum disorders alone...without comorbid intellectual disability or birth defects...was not associated with an increased risk of any cancer."   

To read more about this study, click here. 

Study mentioned: Liu Q, Yin W, Meijjsen JJ, et al. Cancer risk in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Annals of Oncology; Published online 13 April 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2022.04.006