Did anyones child recieve phototherapy?

[Lullaby88]

My baby had jaundice when she was born and was admitted into hospital to recieve phototherapy. Shes 4 now and iv read it can have some harmful side effects including childhood cancer risks. Does anyone know anything about this?

So you mean cancer from the light exposure??
If so, absolutely not. It's blue light. Not uvb. Tiny tiny amounts of uva. No cancer risk at all.

I've also never heard this either. I had phototherapy as a newborn and my youngest had it for a couple of weeks in the NICU. It's been used for years (I'm 40).

I'm 40 and had phototherapy for months when I was 9 years old. Was told even then that the risk was tiny.

Bollocks. My DD had phototherapy. She also had a childhood cancer. The two were not linked.

Thanks for that. Iv just read some reports online and studies saying theres an increased chance but its inconclusive.
I dont understand as sunlight that surely a lot of babies are exposed to in very hot countries would pose a much higher risk to cancers. Its all a bit confusing.

What reports and studies? Are they proper medical studies, large samples, peer reviewed etc? Or just people sharing crap on social media?

Surely the likelihood/ risk of baby being very ill from NOT having the phototherapy is far far greater than the risk of them getting cancer from it?

My baby had it. I’ve never heard of a risk but it seems a couple of studies have shown a very tiny increase in risk for a certain type of leukaemia. I think the authors were concerned about it being used as therapy to readily in infants that probably don’t need it. I don’t think the NHS would be giving out treatments without serious clinical need. I know my baby needed it and I’m sure yours did too. Its impossible to avoid all cancer risks. Our dc are sadly very likely exposed to far more carcinogens walking down the road to school/nursery every day. I really wouldn’t spend any time worry about this (and I’m a worrier).

Thanks, iv spent most my evening worrying but after reading all your comments i feel maybe these reports are just really trying to seek a link between the 2.

@Lullaby88

Thanks for that. Iv just read some reports online and studies saying theres an increased chance but its inconclusive. I dont understand as sunlight that surely a lot of babies are exposed to in very hot countries would pose a much higher risk to cancers. Its all a bit confusing.

The spectrum of blue light phototherapy lamps is completely different to sunlight. The cancer causing wavelengths (uvb/a) are not present. Please don't worry. And if you are still worried ask your GP to explain or contact your local medical physics department at the hospital/region she was treated at. They should be able to explain further.

Hello, i have just come across this thread in the midst of me spiralling about my son having had phototherapy. Were you able to put your mind to rest about this op?