Cancers in Australia in 2010 attributable to total breastfeeding durations of 12 months or less by parous women

• Main Authors: Susan J. Jordan (Author), Louise F. Wilson (Author), Christina M. Nagle (Author), Adele C. Green (Author), Catherine M. Olsen (Author), Christopher J. Bain (Author), Nirmala Pandeya (Author), David C. Whiteman (Author), Penelope M. Webb (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2015-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Abstract Objectives: To estimate the proportion and number of cancers occurring in Australia in 2010 attributable to parous women having breastfed for total durations of ≤12 months. Methods: We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) of breast cancers (the only cancer site with convincing evidence of causal association) associated with women breastfeeding for ≤12 months in total, using standard formulae incorporating breastfeeding prevalence data, relative risks associated with breastfeeding and cancer incidence. We also estimated the proportion change in disease incidence (potential impact fraction [PIF]) that might have occurred under two hypothetical scenarios of women breastfeeding for longer durations. Results: An estimated 235 (1.7%) breast cancer cases that occurred in Australian in 2010 could be attributed to women breastfeeding for total durations of ≤12 months. Assuming a hypothetical increase in breastfeeding, we estimated that the number of breast cancers prevented would range from 36 to 51 (prevented fraction = 0.3% to 0.4%). Conclusions: More than 200 breast cancers were attributable to women breastfeeding for total durations of ≤12 months. Implications: Policies to increase breastfeeding duration may help prevent breast cancers in the future.

Item Description

1753-6405
1326-0200
10.1111/1753-6405.12457