Breastfeeding For Six Months Can Cut Cancer Risk

Mothers who breastfeed for six months reduce risk of cancer by 10 per cent

Breastfeeding for six months can reduce the risk of cancer by 10 per cent, according to new research.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at the habits of 380,000 people and found mothers who breastfed their babies also cut their death risk from circulatory disease by 17 per cent.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) advises women to breastfeed exclusively for six months, however another recent survey found 96 per cent of mothers started wearning their children before six months. 57 per cent gave up before their baby turned three months old.

Researchers looking at the habits of the 380,000 people also found those who followed the WCRF guidelines could cut their chances of dying from cancer up to a third. Limiting alcohol had the greatest effect, with those who did this reducing their chance of death by cancer by 21 per cent.

Dr Teresa Norat, a study leader from Imperial College London, said it was the first research to show a clear association between the global recommendations from the WCRF and a reduced risk of death.

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