Breastfeeding and Childhood Cancer Risks
Author Information
Author(s): Lancashire R J, Sorahan T
Primary Institution: University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
Does breastfeeding have a protective effect against childhood cancers?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence that breastfeeding protects against childhood leukaemia or other childhood cancers.
Supporting Evidence
- The study analyzed data from 3376 matched pairs of case and control children.
- No significant trends were found with the duration of breastfeeding and childhood cancer risks.
- The odds ratios indicated no protective effect from breastfeeding for any type of childhood cancer.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether breastfeeding helps prevent childhood cancer, but it found no evidence that it does.
Methodology
The study used a national case-control design, interviewing parents of children who died of cancer and comparing them to matched controls.
Potential Biases
Self-reported histories may be biased due to the circumstances of the children's deaths.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data, which may introduce bias, and had modest participation rates.
Participant Demographics
Parents of children who died of cancer before their 16th birthday in England, Wales, and Scotland.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website