§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies she has undertaken into the long-term carcinogenic and other side-effects on children born to mothers given DES as a treatment for high blood-pressure during pregnancy in the period 1941 to 1960; if she will assist the formation of DES self-help groups; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleInternational studies have suggested that Diethylstilbestrol is potentially carcinogenic to daughters of women prescribed the drug and can have potential non carcinogenic side effects on offspring of both sexes.
The Department has supported a study among EC member states aimed at providing information to the public and medical profession. This was undertaken by "DES Action the Netherlands" on behalf of the European Commission. We have no current plans to assist in the formation of DES self-help groups, but it is open to voluntary bodies to seek financial support under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968.
DES was not widely prescribed in this country and the estimated number of women who might develop cancer as a consequence is very small.
The prospect for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer in this country has been greatly enhanced by the introduction of the NHS breast and cervical screening programmes. Additionally, anyone who develops symptoms which worry them should immediately contact their doctor.
Any new information relating to side effects from DES will be monitored in the usual way when it becomes available to the Committee on Safety of Medicines.