Breastfeeding and Colon Cancer: A Surprising Correlation
A ‘surprising’ correlation has been identified by scientists as they investigate the increase in colon cancer cases among young individuals: breastfeeding appears to be associated with a higher risk.
Study Findings: A Closer Look at the Numbers
A study conducted by investigators affiliated with Harvard and Washington University School of Medicine revealed that exclusive breastfeeding during infancy correlated with a mortality risk of the disease by as much as 40 percent prior to the age of 55.
The study found that an individual’s likelihood of being diagnosed with early-onset colon cancer increased with the duration of breastfeeding.
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Although the team was still studying, Harvard oncologist Dr. Kimmie Ng blamed “Westernised lifestyles” for the association.
Modern diets are linked to numerous cancers, and breast milk may include various fast food toxins.
Dr. Ng said, “This is merely an association,” and advised mothers to continue nursing, which benefits newborns.
In an effort to investigate potential environmental factors contributing to the increase in colon cancer cases, the researchers analyzed survey and questionnaire responses from 158,696 women aged 27 to 93 who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Nurses’ Health Study II.
In addition to examining diet, the researchers administered the 160-item Food Frequency Questionnaire to the participants.
While food during adulthood is strongly linked to colon cancer, breastfeeding did not appear to affect this link.
Scholars conducted in-depth health assessments on 40,000 participants of the study, including comorbidities, weight, height, and smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, in order to exclude alternative lifestyle factors that may have been associated with the development of colon cancer.
Upon accounting for all relevant factors, breastfeeding continued to exhibit the most pronounced correlation with colon cancer.
Women who breastfed for three months or less had a 14% higher risk than non-breastfeeders.
There was a 17 percent increase in risk for those who were breastfed for four to eight months, and a 36 percent increase in risk for those who were breastfed for nine months or more.
It is of particular concern that a subset of younger women in the cohort demonstrated an approximately 40 percent elevated likelihood of developing high-risk colorectal cancer prior to reaching the age of 55.
Moreover, breastfeeding was linked to adenomas before 50.
An adenoma is a benign growth found in the intestinal mucosa. While benign, the forms are considered precancerous and can become malignant tumours.
Reproductive Health and Maternal Influence
Incredibly perturbed by their findings, the researchers pondered whether or not reproductive health influenced the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
As stated by Ng, “Obviously, many maternal health factors are transferred to the infant when the mother is breastfeeding.” Thus, the logical inquiry arises: “Could it be the case that this heightened risk is simply borne by maternal health?”
The investigators harbored an interest in examining the correlation between breastfeeding and colon cancer due to the disease’s declining incidence preceding the recent surge in cases. Likewise, lactation rates decreased between the early 20th century and the 1960s.
In contrast, breastfeeding rates rose in the 1990s alongside colorectal cancer rates.
A Call for Further Investigation and Continued Breastfeeding
Further investigation is warranted, the team cautioned, notwithstanding their discoveries. Breastfeeding is the best nourishment for most infants, thus their analysis should not dissuade parents.
A worldwide increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer has spawned an epidemic among young people.
The Rising Incidence of Colon Cancer in Young People
By 2030, rates are projected to double among young people, and by the end of the decade, colorectal cancer is anticipated to be the primary cause of cancer-related mortality among those under the age of 50.
This is according to data from JAMA Surgery, which predicts that the incidence of colon cancer among those aged 20 to 34 will have increased by 90% between 2010 and 2030. Rectal cancer incidence in the same age group will have increased by 124%.
The third highest cause of death for men and women in the US is colon and rectal cancer.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) projects that approximately 153,000 cases of colorectal cancer will be identified this year, with 19,500 of those affected being under the age of 50.
There are an estimated 52,550 fatalities attributed to the disease.
