LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for September 2003

"Effect of lifetime lactation on breast cancer risk: A Korean women’s cohort study"

Authors: Soon Young Lee, Miyong T. Kim, Seon Woo Kim, Mi Sook Song and Soo Jin Yoon

Int J Cancer 2003-6-20;105(3):390-93

In this study, the authors examined the effect of lifetime lactation on the risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women in Korea. A cohort of 110,604 premenopausal women of 20 years and older made up this study. Of the total 51.9% reported breastfeeding, and of those 4.1% breastfed for over 24 months.

When compared to mothers who had not breastfed, those who breastfed for 13-24 months decreased the risk of breast cancer (RR, 0.7;95% CI, 0.5-1.1). The risk decreased further for those who breastfed more than 24 months (RR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3-1.0). This research documents the that increased duration of breastfeeding is related to decreased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

This paper is being categorized with the following keywords: Breast Cancer, Extended Breastfeeding,
Advantages, Korea, Duration