DES drug fallout spans three generations as families push for government action
Families affected by DES, a synthetic hormone from the 1940s-70s, are pushing the government to fund research and support.
A synthetic estrogen called DES was given to pregnant women from the 1940s to the 1970s to prevent miscarriage. Years later, doctors found it greatly increased breast, cervical and genital cancer in mothers and daughters.
DES daughters also face higher risks of premature birth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and early menopause. Cancer Australia reports no known impacts on DES grandchildren, but generational effects are still being studied.
Jean Brooks lost her daughter to breast cancer at 28, a diagnosis made at 24. Gail McCulloch is a DES daughter who spent decades in hospital with tumours.
She lost three children to miscarriage. Her daughter also developed precancerous cells.
The Health Department rejected a request for a national study, saying there is not enough evidence. DES Action and professor Barbara Mintzes from the University of Sydney are calling for a government survey, awareness and screening pathways.
- 1940s to 1970s
- Years DES was prescribed
- Breast, cervical, genital
- Cancer types increased
- 28 years old
- Jean Brooks' daughter's death age
- DES Action and professor Barbara Mintzes
- Calling for research
Why it mattersThe health fallout from DES is ongoing and the government has declined to study the scale of the problem or set up support.
AustraliaAffected Australian families lack coordinated government support or a clear clinical pathway for screening and follow-up care.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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