Breast-feeding Babies Can Reduce Risk Of Ovarian Cancer In Women

Breast-feeding her baby can reduce a mother’s risk of ovarian cancer by nearly two-thirds, according to scientists. And the longer she continues to do it, the greater the protection against the illness.

The research adds to evidence of the benefits of natural feeding as numerous studies have already shown it cuts the chance of breast cancer.

More than 6,000 patients a year are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and the illness accounts for about 5 per cent of cancer deaths in women.

It is known as the ‘silent killer’ because symptoms for many sufferers, such as feeling bloated, are non-specific and the illness may not be diagnosed until it is fairly advanced.

For the latest study, Australian scientists studied 493 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and compared them with 472 healthy volunteers of similar age.

Each was asked how many children they had and for how long they breast-fed each one.

The results showed those who breast-fed a child for at least 13 months were 63 per cent less likely to develop a tumour than those who did so for less than seven months.

The more children they had, the greater the effect, said the findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Mothers who had three children and breast-fed for a total of 31 months or more were found to cut their chances of ovarian tumours by 91 per cent. This was compared to those feeding naturally for a total of less than ten months.

The research revealed that UK has one of the lowest breast-feeding rates in Europe. Nearly eight in ten mothers start when their baby is born but after six weeks, this is down to half.

Breast-feeding is thought to help as it delays ovulation, when eggs are released and the ovaries are exposed to high levels of oestrogen-rich fluid.

Some researchers believe a higher number of ovulations raises the risk of mutant cells forming, which can trigger the disease.

But surveys have shown the UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. Nearly eight in ten mothers start when their baby is born but after six weeks, this is down to half.

After six months – the recommended time for exclusive breastfeeding – it is only 26 per cent.

The main risk factors for ovarian cancer include a family history of the disease, having already had breast cancer, starting periods at a young age and being overweight. Dr Helga Groll, of Cancer Research, said the findings backed up earlier evidence on the benefits of breast-feeding.

But she warned that some mothers may not accurately remember for how long they had breastfed. Gilda Witte, chief executive of Ovarian Cancer Action, added: ‘It is proven that breast-feeding can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.