Breast feeding can cut cancer risk by 20%

Breastfeeding can reduce the chance of the mother getting breast cancer by up to 20%, a major international study has found.

Completing up to 12 weeks of breastfeeding for each baby can significantly reduce the subsequent risk of breast cancer, the research showed.

Previous research suggested that such an impact was small.

However, the study by Graham Colditz from Washington University School of Medicine’s cancer centre found that breastfeeding was a “powerful strategy” to cut the risk of cancer, particularly in terms of aggressive, invasive forms that are most difficult to treat.

Dr Colditz said: “Broader uptake of breastfeeding and completing up to 12 weeks of breastfeeding for each baby can significantly reduce the subsequent risk of breast cancer.

“The closest we came to an average risk reduction is a 10% reduction in risk of breast cancer for women who had ever breast fed a baby.”

The study analysed 27 studies over three decades, involving 750,000 women, 36,000 of whom developed breast cancer.

It found: “Breastfeeding is a powerful strategy to reduce the risk of several aggressive breast cancer subtypes, with a relative risk reduction of approximately 10% to 20%, depending on receptor status.”

Anees Chagpar, associate professor of surgery at Yale Cancer Centre, said: “It is fairly well accepted now that breastfeeding is healthy for the baby and has benefits for reducing breast cancer risk.”

Breastfeeding lowers levels of the hormone oestrogen, which can trigger cancer. Some scientists also believe the process of producing milk stops cancer cells forming..

Dr Colditz said: “Importantly, breastfeeding was clearly protective for triple negative breast cancer — the subset of this disease for which we have limited treatment options.”

He called for “greater public health support” for breastfeeding.

The research was led by American cancer charities with the Washington University School of Medicine and Mount Sinai Hospital, New York,

Previous studies established that breastfed babies are less susceptible to infection, allergies and obesity. It also helps bonding with the child and helps a mother shed pregnancy weight, as making milk burns calories.

Hollywood stars have credited breastfeeding with helping them lose weight. Scarlett Johansson revealed this week that she loves breastfeeding her baby daughter Rose.

“[I do] the whole bit,” the 30-year-old told the host of US TV’s The 10 Most Fascinating People Of 2014. “I’m nursing and I love it. It’s the best way to get back in shape.”

Mila Kunis has also spoken about the benefits of breastfeeding on The Late Late Show and credited it with having the biggest impact on achieving a slim post-baby figure.