Childhood Cancers

Research on the links between breastfeeding and cancer

Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood cancer: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

This meta-analysis of 45 articles aimed to quantitatively summarise the available evidence on the association of breastfeeding with the risk of childhood cancer. Of the 33 studies relating to the association between breastfeeding and risk of childhood leukemia, the pooled risk estimates were 0.77 for ever versus non/occasional breastfeeding and longest versus shortest breastfeeding duration group, respectively. There was also clear indication for non-linear dose-response relationship between breastfeeding duration and the risk of childhood leukemia (P non-linear < 0.001). The most protective effect was observed at a breastfeeding duration of 9.6 months. Conclusions support a protective role of breastfeeding on the risk of childhood leukemia, also suggesting a non-linear dose-response relationship. Further studies are warranted to confirm the association between breastfeeding and risk of childhood neuroblastoma.

Su, Q., Sun, X., Zhu, L. et al. Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood cancer: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. BMC Med 19, 90 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-021-01950-5

Older research 

• A causal mechanism for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Greaves, Mel, (2018). A causal mechanism for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Nature Reviews Cancer, doi.org/10.1038/s41568-018-0015-6

• Breastfeeding and childhood leukemia

Amitay, E.L. & Keinan-Boker, L. (2015).  Breastfeeding and Childhood Leukemia Incidence: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review. JAMA Pediatrics, 169(6):e151025. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.1025