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DES Update: Consumers

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An image of a mother and daughter DES Daughters
Welcome to the portion of CDC's DES Update for DES Daughters. In this section, you will find the health risks associated with DES and steps you can to take protect your health and the health of your family. Links to more detailed information about DES are provided at the bottom of the page.
DES Daughters are defined as women born between 1938 and 1971 who were exposed to DES before birth (in the womb). Research has confirmed that DES Daughters are at an increased risk for:
  • Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA), a rare kind of vaginal and cervical cancer
  • Increased risk for clear cell cancer appears to be highest for DES Daughters in their teens and early 20s. However, cases have been reported for DES Daughters in their 30s and 40s (Hatch, 1998).
  • Reproductive tract structural differences (for example, T-shaped uterus)
  • Pregnancy complications, such as ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and pre-term delivery
  • Infertility

Information Resources for DES Third Generation
Information on Health Risks Although scientists have answered many questions about health risks associated with exposure to DES, questions remain about potential health risks and related concerns.    Recent Research for DES Daughters For information on how such research was conducted, see Understanding DES Research.

Additional Information on DES

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