Does Being Breastfed Affect Later Cancer Risk? (WebMD)

Being breastfed as an infant has little impact on cancer risk as an adult, according to a newly published study and a review of earlier research.

Researchers from the England's University of Bristol found no evidence that being breastfed increases cancer risk. A slight protective benefit against breast cancer prior to menopause was found for women who were breastfed as infants. But Richard M, Martin, PhD, who led the research team, tells WebMD that the finding is far from conclusive.

"These findings show that being breastfed doesn't increase cancer risk as an adult," he says. "There are still many unanswered questions, including whether breastfeeding is protective against heart disease and its role in brain development."



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