Breastfeeding found to Significantly Reduce Incidence of Childhood Leukemia

By John Henry Dreyfuss, MDalert.com staff.
Save to PDF PediatricsEvidence-Based MedicineObstetrics/Gynecology By

  • Reiterate to patients that breastfeeding benefits both baby and mother.
  • It is effective and inexpensive.
  • Offer breastfeeding support for new mothers who find it difficult.
  • Help patients surmount barriers to breastfeeding such as day care and brief maternity leave.
  • Explain pumping and alternatives to formula for working mothers.
  • Remind new mothers that sometimes formula is OK. There will be times where breast milk simply is not an option and the baby is hungry.

Breastfeeding for as few as 6 months can reduce the risk of childhood leukemia by 19% according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published today in JAMA Pediatrics.

Figure. Lactation coaching can help a new mother and baby learn how to breastfeed.


The meta-analysis included 18 studies that compared the effects of no breastfeeding, breastfeeding <6 months, and breastfeeding for ≥6 months on the incidence of childhood leukemia over 44 to zero years of follow up.

The reviewers analyzed all articles published between January 1960 and December 2014 researching the association between breastfeeding and childhood leukemia. From those, the 18 were selected, putting the number of examined children with leukemia at more than 10,000 children and more than 17,500 matched children without leukemia.

No breastfeeding or shorter breastfeeding was associated with significantly higher occurrence of childhood leukemia. Among children breastfed for 6 months or longer was the risk of childhood leukemia was 19% lower (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73-0.89).

A separate meta-analysis of 15 studies indicated that ever breastfed compared with never breastfed was associated with an 11% lower risk for childhood leukemia (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.94), although the definition of never breastfed differed between studies. All meta-analyses of subgroups of the 18 studies showed similar associations.

“Based on current meta-analyses results, 14% to 19% of all childhood leukemia cases may be prevented by breastfeeding for 6 months or more,” the reviewers wrote in JAMA Pediatrics.

“Breastfeeding is a highly accessible, low-cost public health measure. This meta-analysis that included studies not featured in previous meta-analyses on the subject indicates that promoting breastfeeding for 6 months or more may help lower childhood leukemia incidence, in addition to its other health benefits for children and mothers,” they concluded.


© 2024 /alert® unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy