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Breastfeeding
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We’ve been hearing for years about the health benefits that babies gain through
breastfeeding. Yet in addition to reduced ear infections and fewer respiratory and
digestive problems, breastfed infants – and their mothers – are likely reducing
their risk for cancer as well.
According to Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global
Perspective, published by the American Institute for Cancer Research, the evidence
that breastfeeding protects women against both pre- and post-menopausal
breast cancer is convincing. Protection against ovarian cancer is suggested as
well, but that evidence is currently limited.
Hormonal changes associated with lactation – those that delay the return of a
new mother’s menstrual periods– reduce a woman’s lifetime hormone exposure.
According to experts, this seems to be the main reason that women who
breastfeed have a lower risk. The AICR report also notes that physical changes
that occur in breast cells while lactating may provide some protection as well.
Although rates of mothers initiating breastfeeding are increasing among women in
the United States, the number of mothers who breastfeed exclusively falls short of
recommendations. According to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease
Control, nearly 74 percent of women who gave birth in 2004 started
breastfeeding. However, only 30 percent were breastfeeding exclusively at three
months and only 11 percent at six months.
An exclusively breastfed infant receives only breast milk – no water, other liquids
or solids. AICR recommend that women breastfeed infants exclusively for six
months, introducing complementary foods such as baby cereal, fruit and
vegetables gradually after that. This six-month target has been a longstanding
recommendation aimed at maximizing the immunity benefits that infants receive
through the transfer of antibodies in breast milk.
When other foods are introduced after six months of age, infants naturally reduce
their consumption of breast milk. Decreased breastfeeding leads to less milk
production and a return closer to pre-pregnancy hormone levels for the mother.
The AICR cancer prevention report notes that babies are likely to receive cancer
protection from breastfeeding, too. The evidence shows that breastfeeding
probably reduces the chances that a child will be overweight for at least the early
years of childhood. This is an important finding as childhood overweight tends to
carry over into adulthood, and increased body fat clearly increases risk of at least
six different types of cancer.
Some mothers may choose not to breastfeed for a myriad of reasons. In these
cases, there are other lifestyle choices that a new mother can make to protect
both herself and her family from increased cancer risk. Do remember, however,
that in terms of health benefits, while exclusive breastfeeding for the first six
months is recommended, any time spent breastfeeding is better than none.
The brochure, What You Should Know About Breastfeeding, provides information on
common breastfeeding concerns. It can be read, ordered, or downloaded at www.
aicr.org.
AICR Ever Green Ever Healthy
October 2008
breastfeeding. Yet in addition to reduced ear infections and fewer respiratory and
digestive problems, breastfed infants – and their mothers – are likely reducing
their risk for cancer as well.
According to Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global
Perspective, published by the American Institute for Cancer Research, the evidence
that breastfeeding protects women against both pre- and post-menopausal
breast cancer is convincing. Protection against ovarian cancer is suggested as
well, but that evidence is currently limited.
Hormonal changes associated with lactation – those that delay the return of a
new mother’s menstrual periods– reduce a woman’s lifetime hormone exposure.
According to experts, this seems to be the main reason that women who
breastfeed have a lower risk. The AICR report also notes that physical changes
that occur in breast cells while lactating may provide some protection as well.
Although rates of mothers initiating breastfeeding are increasing among women in
the United States, the number of mothers who breastfeed exclusively falls short of
recommendations. According to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease
Control, nearly 74 percent of women who gave birth in 2004 started
breastfeeding. However, only 30 percent were breastfeeding exclusively at three
months and only 11 percent at six months.
An exclusively breastfed infant receives only breast milk – no water, other liquids
or solids. AICR recommend that women breastfeed infants exclusively for six
months, introducing complementary foods such as baby cereal, fruit and
vegetables gradually after that. This six-month target has been a longstanding
recommendation aimed at maximizing the immunity benefits that infants receive
through the transfer of antibodies in breast milk.
When other foods are introduced after six months of age, infants naturally reduce
their consumption of breast milk. Decreased breastfeeding leads to less milk
production and a return closer to pre-pregnancy hormone levels for the mother.
The AICR cancer prevention report notes that babies are likely to receive cancer
protection from breastfeeding, too. The evidence shows that breastfeeding
probably reduces the chances that a child will be overweight for at least the early
years of childhood. This is an important finding as childhood overweight tends to
carry over into adulthood, and increased body fat clearly increases risk of at least
six different types of cancer.
Some mothers may choose not to breastfeed for a myriad of reasons. In these
cases, there are other lifestyle choices that a new mother can make to protect
both herself and her family from increased cancer risk. Do remember, however,
that in terms of health benefits, while exclusive breastfeeding for the first six
months is recommended, any time spent breastfeeding is better than none.
The brochure, What You Should Know About Breastfeeding, provides information on
common breastfeeding concerns. It can be read, ordered, or downloaded at www.
aicr.org.
AICR Ever Green Ever Healthy
October 2008
| Breastfeeding as Cancer Prevention from the American Institute for Cancer Research |