According to a new study, sending your child to a daycare may just reduce their risk of contracting leukemia through exposure to common infections. The researchers revealed that a 30 % drop in leukemia rates occurred when children participated in daycare or playgroups compared to those who did not. Also noted was the earlier the age of the start of daycare and playgroups, the better the outcome of the prevention, with the best ages to being being between 1 and 2 years old.
While the results of the daycare or playgroup interaction was clear, the study failed to explain how the social interaction played a part in prevention but they remain confident that the link is held within the introduction of infections and thus the bodies ability to fight these infections from an early age on.
According to scientists, two factors must be presented in order for a child to contract leukemia. The first is some form of
Genetic predisposition to leukemia through the mutation of genes, the second is by getting an infection that may result in the contraction of leukemia.
This study was compiled of 14 published studies of approximately 20,000 children across the world. One third of the children being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood leukemia.
The studies included interview responses from parents regarding their habits for choosing daycare and playgroup settings for their children. The amount of interaction varied by length of interaction and extent of social interaction, all results pointed to a clear link between daycare and playgroup settings and the prevention of leukemia.
