Marie Claire News

Sunday 7 September

 


Breastfeeding 'cuts cancer risk'

Woman breastfeeding Rex Features

New mothers should breastfeed their baby for six months after giving birth to cut the risk of developing breast cancer, according to researchers.

The advice comes after a survey by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) showed three in four women are oblivious to the link.

The survey revealed two thirds of women are unaware that breastfeeding cuts their child's risk of being overweight - a chief risk factor for cancer.

Only 13% of men are aware breastfeeding can reduce a mother's possibility of developing breast cancer.

The survey comes after a review of nearly 100 scientific studies by the American Institute of Cancer Research which found 'convincing' evidence that breastfeeding reduced the risk of breast cancer.

Nearly 45,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year and it is the most common form of cancer among British women.

Lucie Galice of the WCRF commented: 'The evidence on this is convincing and this is why we recommend that - if they are able to - mothers should aim to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and then continue with complementary feeding after that.'

Monday 28 April 2008

Vote ...

Did you breastfeed during the first six months after your baby was born?

  • Yes (87%)
  • No (13%)
Poll


Have your say ...

Add your own comment

I breast fed my two children for one year and the second child 16 months. They were exclusivley breast fed for 6 months.
I have no family history, strated my periods aged 15. Moderate to low drinker all my adult life, never smoked. Eat a good diet.
Never been on the oral contraceptive pill. Never smoked.
So in September 07 no one was more suprised than me when diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer and invasive ductal, aged 47 years old. I had 5 months of chemotherapy followed by a modeified mastectomy and full axillary clearence and am soon to emabark on three weeks intensive radiotherapy.
I had both my children before the age of 35 years old.
So why did I end up with breast cancer?
Unlucky I guess.

Comment by judith bull on April 28 14:37

Rate this ...

Rate this content

Thanks, your rating has been counted!

  • Current rating:
  • Be the first to vote


Breaking headlines ...

Marie Claire October issue: Beyonce Knowles

In Style rss feed