SUBIACO, Western Australia – A study out of the Telethon Kids Institute in Australia is showing breastfeeding could help reduce the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.
An article citing the study’s authors appears in the March 20 edition of MedicalExpress.com.
Researchers quoted wanted to know if breastfeeding, introducing solid foods or early diet were linked in developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and childhood brain tumors (CBT), which are two of the most common childhood cancers.
Study authors gathered information through the use of a questionnaire about nutritional intake for children up to 2 years of age. A proportion of mothers with kids who suffered from these cancers versus healthy kids was examined.
They also examined leukemic cells under a microscope and subjected the cells to genetic tests to determine genetic cell abnormalities and the type of cancer the child had.
While there was a strong protective association between breastfeeding and ALL, the researchers could not find a link between breastfeeding and CBT.
Research results showed children who were formula-fed were more likely to develop ALL, likely due to the absence of breastfeeding.
