Breastfeeding patterns were not linked to the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

08-24-2006

According to recent research from the United States, "The risk of childhood ALL was investigated in relation to breastfeeding patterns in the Northern California Childhood Leukemia Study. Data collected by self-administered and in-person questionnaires from biological mothers of leukemia cases (age 0-14 years) in the period 1995-2002 were matched to birth certificate controls on date of birth, sex, Hispanic ethnic status, and maternal race."

"Even compared to never breastfeeding was not associated with risk of ALL at ages 1-14 years (odds ratio=.99; 95% CI=.64 -1.55) and ages 2-5 years (OR=1.49; 95% CI=.83 -2.65). Various measures of breastfeeding duration compared to absence of breastfeeding also had no significant effect on risk. Complimentary feeding characteristics such as type of milk/formula used and age started eating solid foods among breast-fed children were not associated with ALL risk," explained M.L. Kwan and colleagues, University of California Berkeley.

The researchers concluded, "This study provides no evidence that breastfeeding affects the occurrence of childhood ALL."

Kwan and colleagues published their study in British Journal of Cancer (Breastfeeding patterns and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Br J Cancer, 2005;93(3):379-384).

For additional information, contact M.L. Kwan, University of California Berkeley, School Publ Health, Division Publ Health Biology & Epidemiology, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 500, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.

Keywords: Berkeley, California, United States, Child, Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Breastfeeding, Oncology, Pediatrics, Cancer Risk, Diet, Nutrition.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.