Breastfeeding and cancer
We have strong evidence that breastfeeding decreases the mother’s risk of breast cancer. Read on for more information on the benefits for mother and baby.
Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby if you are able to breastfeed and choose to do so.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Breastmilk is a complete food for your baby meaning it contains all the essential nutrients that support your baby’s growth and development while also protecting them from infections and disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continuing for up to 2 years alongside other food and water.
Any amount of breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby, while also helping you to bond. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefits.
Breastfed babies are less likely to become overweight or obese in childhood compared to those who are not breastfed, which lowers their risk of overweight and obesity in adulthood. This can, in turn, reduce their risk of developing a preventable cancer when they grow up.
What’s the science on breastfeeding and cancer?
There is strong scientific evidence that breastfeeding your baby can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. There’s also some evidence that breastfeeding lowers the risk of ovarian cancer.
That’s why a part of our Cancer Prevention Recommendations is for mothers to breastfeed their baby if they can.
Beyond cancer risk, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if you have had gestational diabetes.
Breastfeeding lowers your risk of developing breast cancer by:
- Reducing the exposure to some cancer-related hormones in your body.
- Helping to remove any cells in your breasts that have DNA damage.
Support with breastfeeding
If you need more help and advice, talk to your GP or health visitor. Or visit the NHS help with breastfeeding page if you are based in the UK.
Prof Clare Collins on breastfeeding
Clare is a Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and an expert in personalised nutrition. As well as writing for World Cancer Research Fund, she also writes for The Conversation.
How does breastfeeding help prevent cancer?
Breastfeeding lowers your risk of developing breast cancer. This is because it lowers lifetime exposure to the hormone oestrogen.
When a woman breastfeeds, normal hormonal changes can delay their periods, which means oestrogen levels are lower. Oestrogen can play a role in promoting growth of breast cancer cells.
Also, breastfeeding means there is higher turnover of breast tissue. This means tissue that contains damaged cells can be replaced.
Both factors together contribute to lowering risk of developing breast cancer.
For babies, breastfeeding supports their growth and development. It also protects against infections and the risk of developing allergies, childhood asthma and type 1 diabetes.
On the blog
Diet and Cancer Report
Our 2018 Diet and Cancer Report looked at lactation (breastfeeding) and cancer risk.
It found strong evidence that:
- breastfeeding DECREASES the risk of breast cancer in the mother.
There was also other evidence that was limited (either in amount or by methodological flaws) but was suggestive of a decreased risk of ovarian cancer in women who breastfeed. Further research is required, and the Panel did not use this evidence to make recommendations.
> Read the relevant chapter in our Science and policy library
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