NUMBERS EXPOSED TO DES IN OZ

There are currently 18 case reports of DES associated clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina/cervix held by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. However, the figures for this cancer type held by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) provide a more reliable estimate for DES exposure in Australia. Reports of this cancer type to the AIHW are steady.

The Institute's current data (1982-2006) shows 42 cases below age 50, and 142 cases across all ages for clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina/cervix in the general population. From this information, we can calculate the current estimate in Australia to be 168,000 - 568,000 DES exposed mothers, daughters and sons.

We are informed that the AIHW will be able to provide more data in December.