The American Institute for Cancer Research has issued a groundbreaking report and list of recommendations that state there is significant and convincing evidence that breastfeeding can protect both mother and child from cancer.  The AICR report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, is result of a five year study by numerous teams of scientists, peer reviewers, international experts and researchers who reviewed and analyzed over 7,000 studies regarding cancer risks.  The report lists 10 recommendations for cancer prevention, one of which is breastfeeding and reducing cancer risks.

According to AICR report , mothers can directly lower their own risk of both pre/post menopausal breast cancers by breastfeeding their children.  The reason sited for this risk reduction is lactation related hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding and menstrual cycles.  Women who experience fewer menstrual cycles over their lifetime tend to have lower risk for breast cancer.  The report also explains that breastfeeding can enact many physical changes to the breast cells that makes them more resistant to cancers.

Children who are breastfed in additional to receiving numerous other benefits can also lower their risk of developing cancer.  The report gives the explanation that breastfeeding a baby can reduce the chances that child will be overweight and this is related to developing cancers later in the adult years.  The AICR is the first major cancer organization to issue an official recommendation about breastfeeding and cancer reduction, stating specifically…”it is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to six months”.