Breastfeeding and Childhood Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): V Beral, NT Fear, F Alexander, P Appleby
Primary Institution: Imperial Cancer Research Fund Cancer Epidemiology Unit
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between childhood cancer and having been breastfed in infancy?
Conclusion
The study found weak evidence suggesting that being breastfed may be associated with a small reduction in the odds of developing certain childhood cancers.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 3500 children with cancer and 6964 controls.
- 62% of cases and 64% of controls were reported to have ever been breastfed.
- There was weak evidence of a small reduction in odds ratios for leukaemia and all cancers combined associated with breastfeeding.
- Combining data from other studies showed a similar small reduction in odds ratios for various childhood cancers.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether being breastfed as a baby helps prevent childhood cancer, and it found a tiny hint that it might.
Methodology
A national, population-based case-control study comparing children with cancer to controls.
Potential Biases
It is unclear if the observed reduction in odds ratios is due to breastfeeding or bias in the studies.
Limitations
The evidence is weak and may reflect systematic bias in the studies.
Participant Demographics
3500 children with cancer and 6964 controls, with 62% of cases and 64% of controls reported to have been breastfed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.06 for leukaemia, 0.05 for all cancers combined
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.80–1.00 for leukaemia, 95% CI 0.84–1.00 for all cancers combined
Statistical Significance
p=0.06 for leukaemia, p=0.05 for all cancers combined
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website