The correlation between rates of cancer and autism: an exploratory ecological investigation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autism is associated with high rates of genomic aberrations, including chromosomal rearrangements and de novo copy-number variations. These observations are reminiscent of cancer, a disease where genomic rearrangements also play a role. We undertook a correlative epidemiological study to explore the possibility that shared risk factors might exist for autism and specific types of cancer.

Methodology/principal findings

To determine if significant correlations exist between the prevalence of autism and the incidence of cancer, we obtained and analyzed state-wide data reported by age and gender throughout the United States. Autism data were obtained from the U.S. Department of Education via the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (2000-2007, reported a

SUBMITTER: Kao HT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2826417 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature