A new study suggests that babies who are breast-fed for as little as six months may have a significantly lower risk of childhood leukemia, in comparison to children who were never breast-fed.
CBS reports that the study, conducted by researchers at the School of Public Health at the University of Haifa in Israel, found that babies who are breast-fed for at least six months appear to have a 19 percent lower risk of childhood leukemia compared to children who were never breast-fed or who were breast-fed for fewer months.
Breast-feeding is also associated with a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life, according to the study’s authors.
The study reviewed data from previous studies to come up with the findings. While the results find only an association, and not a direct link between breast-feeding and a reduced risk of childhood leukemia, the study’s authors believe that breast milk’s positive impact on a child’s immune system might play a role.
According to CBS, the study also noted that leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer, accounting for 30 percent of all pediatric cancer cases.
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