AICR Reminds Mothers Of Additional Breastfeeding Benefit: Cancer Protection

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Article Date: 07 Aug 2008 - 4:00 PST

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As World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) draws to a close, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) urges new mothers to consider one more benefit to breastfeeding their babies: added cancer protection for mother and child.

"AICR is the first cancer organization to issue an official recommendation advocating breastfeeding in order to decrease risk of developing cancer," said AICR Nutritionist Sarah Wally, MS RD.

Based on evidence collected in AICR's landmark expert report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, women are advised to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods as appropriate.

Research Reveals Protective Benefits

The evidence examined by AICR's international panel of experts showed, convincingly, that breastfeeding protects women against both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer. The research also finds that breastfeeding probably decreases the likelihood that a child will be overweight (at least during the early years of childhood).

Protection from weight gain is of particular importance, as childhood overweight tends to continue into adulthood, where excess body fat is closely linked to cancer development.

According to experts, hormonal changes in a woman's body and physical changes in breast tissue cells are likely responsible for the added protection seen in mothers. Infants' benefits are gained from the chemical composition of breast milk as well as the promotion of self-regulated feeding that is a natural part of the breastfeeding process.

AICR is proud to stand with other national and international health organizations this week, including UNICEF, WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in celebrating the benefits - both physical and emotional - that are gained through breastfeeding.

AICR also acknowledges that some women are not able or may prefer not to breastfeed. These women can benefit from other lifestyle changes that the comprehensive AICR report found to be protective, among them: increased physical activity, minimal consumption of alcohol (if any at all), and maintaining a healthy weight.

Free Brochure Offers Research-Based Advice to New Mothers

In observation of World Breastfeeding Week, AICR is offering it's latest free brochure, What You Should Know About Breastfeeding . The 12-page brochure summarizes AICR's recommendation regarding exclusive breastfeeding and cancer prevention, explains the science behind the recommendation in clear, concise language and provides frequently asked questions on common breastfeeding concerns.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $86 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, http://www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

American Institute for Cancer Research