There has been much debate about the effects of breastfeeding on a woman's risk of breast cancer. Although the issue is still under study, there is now good evidence that breastfeeding protects against breast cancer, particularly in premenopausal women [132,133]. Breastfeeding appears to offer protection against both estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative tumors [134]. In an analysis that combined the results of 47 studies, mothers who breastfed for a lifetime total of one year (combined duration of breastfeeding for all children) were found to be slightly less likely to develop breast cancer than mothers who never breastfed [133]. Those who breastfed for a lifetime total of two years got about twice the benefit of those who breastfed for a total of one year. Women who had a combined duration of more than two years of breastfeeding had even greater benefit. Although data are limited, breastfeeding for less than one year may also offer some protection against breast cancer.
Add this reduced risk of breast cancer to the other benefits of breastfeeding—such as fewer childhood infections, fewer sick days used to care for an ill child, a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight and possibly a lower risk of ovarian cancer—and there are compelling reasons for women to choose to breastfeed their children if they are able to do so [135].
Updated 08/14/08
