Rung 4 · Strong
Breastfeeding, if you can
Linked to lower breast cancer risk.
PreventionYou can do this
What studies found
The World Cancer Research Fund's 2017 breast cancer report found that mothers who breastfeed have lower breast cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute lists breastfeeding for at least several months after childbirth as a protective factor.
The catch
The reports give no figure for how large the effect is.
What to do
If breastfeeding works for you and your baby, this is one more reason to continue for several months. If it doesn't, the other steps still apply.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.
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