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Full breastfeeding and paediatric cancer
Juan A Ortega-García1, Josep Ferrís-Tortajada, Alberto M Torres-Cantero
1Paediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Translational Cancer Research Center, University Hospital Virgin of Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain. ortega@pehsu.org
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|November 15, 2007
Summary
Full breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of childhood cancer. The longer mothers breastfed, the greater the protective effect against paediatric cancer (PC).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous research suggests a potential inverse relationship between breastfeeding and childhood cancer risk.
- Understanding modifiable factors influencing paediatric cancer (PC) is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between full breastfeeding and the incidence of paediatric cancer (PC).
- To determine if the duration of breastfeeding impacts the risk of childhood cancer.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Spain.
- Maternal reports of full breastfeeding were collected via interviews for 187 children with PC and 187 age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Children with paediatric cancer (PC) were breastfed for a significantly shorter duration (mean 8.43 weeks) compared to controls (mean 11.25 weeks).
- Cases were more frequently bottle-fed (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.8).
- Reduced risk of PC was observed with breastfeeding durations of at least 2 months (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.8), 4 months (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.8), and 24 weeks (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.2-0.9).
Conclusions:
- A significant inverse association exists between full breastfeeding and paediatric cancer (PC).
- The protective effect against PC increases with longer durations of full breastfeeding.
- Encouraging breastfeeding is recommended, and further research into the underlying mechanisms is warranted.
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