Breastfeeding Adds Cancer Protection For You and Your Baby

Adding to our laundry list of breastfeeding benefits, The American Institute for Cancer Research is urging new moms to breastfeed for cancer protection for the dyad. AICR Nutritionist Sarah Wally states, “[This] is the first cancer organization to issue an official recommendation advocating breastfeeding in order to decrease risk of developing cancer." In line with the American Academy of Pediatrics statement on breastfeeding, the AICR's report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, encourages women to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add complementary foods.

Evidence shows that breastfeeding protects women against both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer. In addition, breastfeeding decreases the likelihood that a child will be overweight (at least during the early years of childhood). The AICR states that protection from weight gain is extremely important, as childhood overweight may continue into adulthood and excess body fat is closely linked to cancer development.

In a statement from the AICR, experts conclude that "hormonal changes in a woman’s body and physical changes in breast tissue cells are likely responsible for the added protection seen in mothers. Infants’ benefits are gained from the chemical composition of breast milk as well as the promotion of self-regulated feeding that is a natural part of the breastfeeding process."

The organization is offering a free brochure, What You Should Know About Breastfeeding, which explains the recommendation regarding exclusive breastfeeding and cancer prevention, and the science behind the recommendation. Visit www.aicr.org to download a copy.