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Lactation and breast cancer risk
1University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison 53706, USA.
Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Breastfeeding offers a modest reduction in breast cancer risk, particularly for premenopausal women. Prolonged lactation or early initiation further enhances this protective effect against breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Reproductive Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a prevalent disease with limited preventive strategies.
- Reproductive factors, including lactation, are increasingly recognized for their influence on breast cancer risk.
- Existing evidence suggests a link between breastfeeding and reduced breast cancer incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between lactation and breast cancer risk.
- To quantify the risk reduction associated with breastfeeding.
- To identify factors modifying the protective effect of lactation.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of epidemiological studies on lactation and breast cancer.
- Analysis of risk reduction percentages based on breastfeeding history (ever breastfed, duration, age of initiation).
- Exploration of potential confounding factors and limitations in current research.
Main Results:
- Ever breastfeeding is associated with an approximate 20% reduction in breast cancer risk.
- Prolonged lactation and early initiation of breastfeeding show a greater risk reduction.
- The protective effect appears primarily observed in premenopausal women.
Conclusions:
- Lactation represents a significant, albeit modest, preventive measure against breast cancer.
- The effectiveness of lactation in reducing breast cancer risk may be underestimated due to declining breastfeeding rates.
- Future research should consider early, exclusive, and extended breastfeeding patterns to fully elucidate this association.