Shelley, This what I found on DES when I looked into it. The information is from DES Action Canada (a lobby group for those exposed); the law firm Feldman & Rifkin and the Canadian Government Health Site, all of which agreed on the % greater risk of cancer in those women who took DES prior to 1971:
"DES daughters (the term used for women whose mothers took DES during pregnancy) are at greatest risk for health problems, but DES mothers (the women who took the drug) and DES sons may have complications as well." "Women who used DES may have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Current research indicates that the risk of breast cancer in DES-exposed mothers is approximately 30 percent higher than the risk for women who have not been exposed to this drug. This risk has been stable over time, and does not seem to increase as the mothers become older. Additional research is needed to clarify this issue and whether DES-exposed mothers are at higher risk for any other types of cancer." When I investigated synthetic estrogen for incontinence in a non-Berner girl some years ago, I looked at the incidence of mammary cancers in her line and siblings, her age and how long she was likely to be on the medication (that is, as she was elderly I knew she would not be taking the medication for years and years), her overall health status, etc. and made my decision based on the best risk/benefit analysis I could put together. Of course, I did not have the wonderful Berner-L from which to seek guidance. It will be interesting to hear from the doctors and vets on the list have to say. Patricia McIlveen (Yeoman, Reba & Gus) Calgary Alberta
