Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and breast cancer risk

Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast cancer, especially before menopause, than women who don’t breastfeed [14,17,120-122].

A pooled analysis of data from 47 studies found that compared to mothers who never breastfed, [120]:

• Mothers who breastfed for a lifetime total (combined duration of breastfeeding for all children) of one year were slightly less likely to get breast cancer.
• Mothers who breastfed for a lifetime total of 2 years got about twice the benefit of those who breastfed for a total of one year.
• Mothers who breastfed for a lifetime total of more than 2 years got the most benefit.

Although data are limited, breastfeeding for less than one year may also be linked to a lower risk of breast cancer [120].

For a summary of research studies on breastfeeding and breast cancer, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section.

Learn about other healthy lifestyle behaviors that may lower breast cancer risk.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Other health benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has other benefits for mothers. Compared to those who don’t breastfeed, women who breastfeed have a lower risk of [127-129]:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Ovarian cancer

 

SUSAN G. KOMEN®‘S BREAST SELF-AWARENESS MESSAGES

1. Know your risk Talk with both sides of your family to learn about your family health history. Talk with a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer. 2. Get screened Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at higher risk. Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk.* Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 25, and every year starting at age 40.* * Per NCCN Guidelines 3. Know what is normal for you See a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes: Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast Change in the size or shape of the breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away To see illustrations of these warning signs, please visit the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer page. 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight. Make exercise part of your routine. Limit alcohol intake. Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use). Breastfeed if you can.

Download our Breast Self-Awareness Messages resource for more information.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Updated 04/22/24