Childbirth and breastfeeding slash breast cancer risk by up to 31%

Having children and breastfeeding can significantly lower a woman’s risk of breast cancer. New research shows that each birth reduces the risk by 7%. Breastfeeding for longer periods adds further protection, with major health organisations recommending it for at least two years per child. A study found that giving birth alone cuts a woman’s breast cancer risk by 7% for each child. Breastfeeding also plays a key role. Nursing a baby for one year lowers the lifetime risk by 4.3%. If a woman breastfeeds two children for two years each, her risk drops by 17.2%.

The combined effect of childbirth and extended breastfeeding is even stronger. Women who have children and breastfeed for prolonged periods can reduce their risk by up to 31.2%. These findings align with guidelines from the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, both of which advise breastfeeding for at least two years per child.

The research highlights how reproductive choices influence long-term health. Childbirth and breastfeeding together offer the greatest protection against breast cancer. Health experts continue to stress the importance of these practices for reducing disease risk.