LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for August 2001

European Journal of Cancer 2001, 37(2):234-38

Title: "Longer breast-feeding and protection against childhood leukaemia and lymphomas"

Author: A. Bener, S. Denic and S. Galadari.

In a case-control study comprised of a population with a strong tradition of breastfeeding, a study was done in the United Arab Emirates Cancer Centre Hospital. In 117 patients, the mean age was 4.7. Patients with lymphoid malignancies had significantly fewer median and mean months of breastfeeding than did their matched controls. Zero to 6 months breastfeeding duration, compared with breastfeeding of longer than 6 months, was associated with increased odds of all lymphoid neoplasms. Shorter periods of breastfeeding were associated with an increased risk of Acute lymphocytic leukaemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkins's lymphoma.