Breastfeeding cuts breast cancer risk

by S. C.

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine August 2009 by Alison Stuebe reported that women who breast-fed their infants had a 59% reduction in incidence of premenopausal breast cancer if they had a first degree family member with a history of breast cancer.

Studies previous to this have shown conflicting results with regards to breast feeding and risk of breast cancer. This prospective study involved 60,000 premenopausal nurses, 87% of which breast fed their infants. Of these 608 cases of premenopausal breast cancer were identified. There was a significant lower incidence of premenopausal breast cancer in the women who had breast fed their infants in comparison to those that had not. There was no relationship with regards to duration of lactation or exclusivity of breast feeding, in contrast to other studies. Also, if there was no family history of breast cancer, there was no reduction in breast cancer incidence.

In addition, this same study found a reduced risk of breast cancer in women who did not breast-feed but who used medication to suppress lactation (Parlodel). The mechanism behind this is unknown but might relate to the reduction of inflammation that occurs with engorgement. Parlodel, which has been used to prevent lactation, has been out of vogue recently due to the risk of stroke and heart attack.

The overall conclusion of this study is that women who have a family history of breast cancer should be encouraged to breast feed, even for short periods of time, to reduce their risk. Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy for women to develop worldwide and any reduction in risk is relevant. In addition there are many other benefits to breast feeding such as reduction in risk of ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease for the mother and reduced risk of infection, diabetes, and obesity for the child.