Does breastfeeding decrease the risk of ovarian cancer?

The Link Between Breastfeeding and Ovarian Cancer Risk
Recent research has increasingly focused on the potential health benefits of breastfeeding, particularly its role in reducing the risk of various cancers, including ovarian cancer. A growing body of evidence suggests that breastfeeding may indeed confer a protective effect against this disease, which is known for its high mortality rate and often late diagnosis.
Epidemiological Evidence
A comprehensive analysis published in JAMA Oncology highlights the association between breastfeeding and ovarian cancer risk, indicating that breastfeeding is a potentially modifiable factor that can significantly lower this risk. The study emphasizes that both the duration and timing of breastfeeding play crucial roles in this protective effect.
Further supporting this, a systematic review and meta-analysis encompassing 40 epidemiological studies found that women who breastfed had a notably reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer. Specifically, the pooled relative risk (RR) for parous women—those who have given birth—was calculated at 0.76, suggesting a 24% reduction in risk compared to those who did not breastfeed. This reduction was consistent across various subtypes of ovarian cancer, including the high-grade serous subtype, which is the most lethal form.
Duration Matters
The duration of breastfeeding appears to be a critical factor in determining the level of risk reduction. Studies indicate that longer breastfeeding periods correlate with greater protective effects. For instance, breastfeeding for more than 12 months has been associated with a significant decrease in ovarian cancer risk. This trend suggests that not only does breastfeeding provide immediate health benefits for infants, but it also offers long-term health advantages for mothers.
Implications for High-Risk Groups
Interestingly, the protective effects of breastfeeding may be particularly pronounced among women with genetic predispositions to ovarian cancer, such as those carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Research indicates that breastfeeding can significantly lower the risk of ovarian cancer in these high-risk groups, with some studies suggesting that breastfeeding for over a year is necessary for substantial risk reduction in BRCA2 mutation carriers.
Conclusion
In summary, the evidence strongly supports the notion that breastfeeding can significantly decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. This protective effect is influenced by factors such as the duration of breastfeeding and the mother’s reproductive history. As public health initiatives continue to promote breastfeeding for its myriad health benefits, the potential for reducing ovarian cancer risk adds another compelling reason for mothers to consider breastfeeding as a vital aspect of maternal and child health.

Are you more likely to get ovarian cancer if your mother had it?

Inherited faulty genes
Having relatives with ovarian cancer does not necessarily mean that you have a faulty inherited gene in the family. The cancers could have happened by chance. But women with a mother or sister diagnosed with ovarian cancer have around 3 times the risk of ovarian cancer.

Is there a connection between breast and ovarian cancer?

About 3% of breast cancers and 10% of ovarian cancers result from mutations in BRCA genes. If your mother or father has a BRCA gene mutation, you have a 50% chance of having the same gene mutation. Breast and ovarian cancers can also be caused by mutations in other genes.

Can you get an ovarian cyst while breastfeeding?

Calving season (Odds ratio: 2.3), lactation number (Odds ratio: 1.36), increased milk production (Odds ratio: 1.05) and increased body condition score during the prepartum period (Odds ratio: 4.3) were all related to an increased risk of ovarian cysts.

How does breastfeeding prevent uterine cancer?

Breastfeeding has been suggested to reduce endometrial cancer risk, possibly because estrogen levels are low during lactation [27]. Most of this study finding can be interpreted on the basis of the “unopposed estrogen” hypothesis [3].

How long to breastfeed to reduce cancer risk?

The risk of breast cancer is reduced by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding, this is in addition to the 7.0% decrease in risk observed for each birth.

Are breastfed babies less likely to develop cancer?

Lactation protects the mother against breast cancer. Having been breastfed protects children against excess weight gain and overweight and obesity. In turn, this acts to reduce the risk of those cancers for which weight gain and overweight and obesity are a cause.

Does breastfeeding protect against ovarian cancer?

Women who breastfed for seven or more months had a 32 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer. Women who completed childbearing prior to age 35 and breastfed had a 19 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer. Women who gave birth at age 35 or older and breastfed had a 40 percent lower ovarian cancer risk.

What type of cancer does breastfeeding prevent?

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce your risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Studies vary according to the exact amount it reduces your risk, but you’ll get a significant benefit if you can breastfeed for at least one year. You get the most benefit if you can breastfeed for more than two years.

What is the strongest risk for ovarian cancer?

Are middle-aged or older. Have close family members (such as your mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother) on either your mother’s or your father’s side, who have had ovarian cancer. Have a genetic mutation (change) that raises your risk, including BRCA1 or BRCA2, or one associated with Lynch syndrome.

Does having a baby reduce ovarian cancer risk?

Among 2.5 million Danish women with 4.4 million pregnancies, a pregnancy was associated with a reduction of ovarian cancer risk of 21% (95% CI, 14%‐28%), 26% (95% CI, 21%‐31%), 12% (95% CI, 7%‐17%) and 3% (95% CI, −5% to 11%) compared to one less, for the first, second, third and fourth pregnancy, respectively (P < .