How should DES Sons and Daughters and their children be counseled about possible third-generation effects?
Animal studies have raised some concerns of possible cancer risk (240,241,242). Few studies have been published that focus on third-generation effects in humans. Follow-up studies will be needed to definitively confirm or rule out possible health effects. Men and women who may have been exposed to DES in utero should be encouraged to discuss the issue with their mothers, and, when possible, obtain their mother’s obstetrical records. This is of particular importance since health risks to their children and grandchildren are still being studied. Many women who were prescribed DES while pregnant are elderly. If their children and grandchildren are not informed of their potential risk, opportunities for future intervention may be lost. For a complete list of the numbered citations on this page see DES References.
