BREAST FEEDING AND CANCER

Breastfeeding and childhood leukemia risk (July 2015)

Several studies have suggested that breastfeeding is associated with a modest reduction in childhood cancers. Now, a meta-analysis of case-control studies has found that breastfeeding for six months or more is associated with a 19 percent reduction in the risk of childhood leukemia [2]. A smaller protective effect also was detected for shorter durations of breastfeeding. Possible mechanisms for the observed association include enhancement of the immune system or modification of the infant’s microbiome