Lactation and breast cancer risk: a case–control study in Connecticut
2001
Lactation and Breast Cancer Risk
Sample size: 1217
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Zheng T, Holford T R, Mayne S T, Owens P H, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Boyle P, Zahm S H
Primary Institution: Yale University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does lactation reduce the risk of breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study suggests that breastfeeding may be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Parous women who reported ever lactation had a borderline significantly reduced risk of breast cancer.
- An OR of 0.53 was observed in those having breastfed more than 3 children compared to those who never lactated.
- Women having breastfed their first child for more than 13 months had an OR of 0.47 compared to those who never breastfed.
- Lifetime duration of lactation also showed a risk reduction.
Takeaway
Women who breastfeed might have a lower chance of getting breast cancer.
Methodology
A case-control study with interviews using a standardized questionnaire.
Limitations
None of the odds ratios were statistically significant.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 30–80 years old, including 608 breast cancer cases and 609 matched controls.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.63–1.09
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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