An exploratory case-control study of brain tumors in children.

An exploratory case-control study of childhood brain tumors was conducted in southern Ontario between 1977 and 1983, on 74 cases and 138 age- and sex-matched population controls. A significantly elevated risk (perhaps due to early case symptoms) was seen for skull X-rays at least 5 years prior to diagnosis, and for head or neck injuries which required medical attention. However, no evidence of an increased risk appeared for exposure to sick pets or to pesticides, maternal or paternal history of smoking, and various birth characteristics or antenatal exposure of the child, though these have previously been reported to be associated with childhood brain tumors. With respect to the hypothesis that N-nitroso compounds may be involved in the etiology of childhood brain tumors, most exposures of this type were not associated with risk, though a significant positive association was seen for consumption of beer by the mother during pregnancy, and a significant negative association was seen with consumption of fruit juice by the child. Other findings in the present study include an association with developmental problems relating to height and weight and with certain socioeconomic characteristics of the mother. Further investigation of these results in future studies is warranted.