2 November 2007 Research update from the Baby Friendly Initiative Landmark report recommends breastfeeding to prevent cancer The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has published the most comprehensive report ever on the link between cancer and diet, physical activity and weight. One of only ten recommendations is that women should aim to breastfeed their baby exclusively for six months, and then continue with complementary breastfeeding after that. The authors state that ‘there is convincing evidence that breastfeeding protects against pre-menopausal and post-menopausal breast cancer. There is also limited evidence that it protects against cancer of the ovary. There is also evidence that being breastfed probably protects babies from becoming overweight or obese in later life.’ Searches at nine academic institutions across the world for studies published since records began in the 1960s initially found half a million – 7,000 of which were judged to be the most relevant and robust for inclusion in the report. It includes 10 recommendations from a panel of 21 world-renowned scientists that represent the most definitive and authoritative advice that has ever been available on how the general public can prevent cancer. UNICEF and the World Health Organization were among the official observers of the report’s process. Read the full report This is a research update from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative. To unsubscribe or to change your subscription, click on the buttons below.