Panel finds 'convincing' evidence for breastfeeding

This news item was added on 16th January 2008

An expert panel has concluded that breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of both pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer.

Researchers at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) analysed data from 98 studies on the link between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk and claim that the evidence in support of breastfeeding is "convincing".

There was also "limited but suggestive" evidence to suggest that lactation may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Dr Karen Collins, nutrition advisor at the AICR, described the protective effect of breastfeeding as "big news".

"The AICR expert panel looked at a host of variables associated with diet, nutrition, weight and activity, and lactation was the only one found to lower risk of breast cancer throughout a woman's life," she revealed.

Experts have proposed that the protective effect may be due to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding, or to physical changes to breast cells making them more resistant to mutations.

The review also found that children may gain anti-cancer benefits if breastfed, as they appear to be less likely to suffer from obesity, a major risk factor for some forms of the disease.

The panel's findings suggest that mothers should breastfeed for as long as possible, although babies usually begin to need additional sources of nutrition at around six months.

Dr Collins added: "In terms of anti-cancer benefits for both mother and infant, the longer breastfeeding continues, the better - within reason."