DES is an abbreviation for Diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic carcinogenic hormone drug which has been shown to cause cancer and other health-related problems in females that were exposed to the drug whilst in the womb. First developed 1938, DES was marketed from this date until 1971 in the belief that it prevented premature deliveries and miscarriages. In 1971 it was found as the cause of various health problems, including an increased breast cancer risk, and the FDA told doctors to stop prescribing DES, though it has never been banned. Between 1938 and 1971 many DES products were marketed under hundreds of different brand names such as Dawe's Destrol, Vagestrol and Strobene. DES was also used in the 1960's beef and poultry industry as a growth hormone.