International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Excessive consumption of additives in everyday food during pregnancy could be a contributing factor to cancer in children, according to a doctor.

Murti Andriastuti, a paediatric oncologist at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia, said that while developing inside the womb, foetuses were extremely susceptible to having their genes damaged by chemicals ingested by the mother, TheJakartaGlobe.com reported.

She told KBR68H radio network: "We always recommend pregnant mothers consume fresh and healthy foods and try to avoid the use of any preserved foods or additive-laced seasonings."

Unhealthy food, pollution, radiation from the sun and viral infections are all triggers for damaged genes, according to Ms Andriastuti.

The doctor said the rise in cancer rates in the country could be seen clearly from the rising number of patients being treated for the disease.

In other news, women with breast cancer who are diagnosed while they are pregnancy do not have to worry about putting their unborn babies' health at risk if they are treated with chemotherapy, according to a study carried out by the University of Frankfurt, DocGuide.com reported.