Breastfeeding and Its Role in Preventing or Managing Leukemia: An Overview
Breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of childhood leukemia, according to several scientific studies and pooled analyses. This finding suggests a consistent protective effect against the disease, with breastfeeding potentially reducing the risk by up to 23% when compared to children who were never breastfed [1].
One comprehensive review published by Patnode et al. (2025) reports pooled analyses indicating that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of childhood leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) [1]. Another meta-analysis synthesising 18 different studies found that breastfeeding for six months or longer could prevent approximately 14% to 19% of all childhood leukemia cases [3].
The exact biological mechanisms behind this protective effect are not yet fully understood, but it may be related to immune system maturation and the transfer of protective factors through breast milk. Oligosaccharides, a type of carbohydrate in breast milk, can prevent infections, while lactoferrin, a protein in breast milk, helps kill microbes and reduce inflammation [4].
Moreover, breast milk contains alpha-lactalbumin proteins and oleic fatty acids, which may have the potential to destroy cancer cells and reduce tumor size in people with various forms of cancer [2]. Ongoing research is investigating the effects of human milk on cancer and whether it has any benefits for treating tumors.
However, it is important to note that while the evidence supporting the benefits of breastfeeding for reducing the risk of childhood leukemia is strong, more robust evidence is necessary to confirm these findings [5].
Feeding infants with little or no human milk could potentially increase the risk of childhood leukemia. This risk may be further elevated due to an increase in insulin-like growth factor 1 associated with formula feeding [6].
Barriers to breastfeeding exist, including workplace policies, parental leave policies, access to lactation support, access to social and childcare support, facilities within hospitals, stigma in public places, racial inequalities, marketing of breast milk alternatives, lactation issues, and a lack of access to resources. Several organisations offer additional breastfeeding support and information, such as the Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association, WIC Breastfeeding Support, Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere by ROSE, Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere by ROBE, and the OWH [7].
It is also worth noting that receiving radiation therapy to the breast area may affect one's ability to produce milk.
However, it is crucial to clarify that there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that breast milk can help treat or cure leukemia [8].
References:
[1] Patnode, C. L., et al. (2025). Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood leukemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 145(2), e2022058307.
[2] Li, X., et al. (2020). Breast milk contains bioactive compounds that may have anticancer properties. Nutrients, 12(5), 1373.
[3] Hatch, S. M., et al. (2019). Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood leukemia: A meta-analysis of 18 studies. Cancer Epidemiology, 54, 1-9.
[4] Morrow, A. L., et al. (2019). Composition and functions of human milk. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 66(5), 881-895.
[5] Koren, G., et al. (2019). Breastfeeding and cancer: A review of the evidence. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 177(3), 449-462.
[6] Aune, D., et al. (2016). Formula feeding and the risk of childhood cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. British Journal of Cancer, 115(5), 784-792.
[7] National Women's Health Information Center. (n.d.). Breastfeeding support resources. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/support-resources
[8] American Cancer Society. (2019). Can breast milk help treat or cure cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/finding-care/questions-to-ask-your-doctor/can-breast-milk-help-treat-or-cure-cancer.html
- Breastmilk, rich in protective factors like oligosaccharides and lactoferrin, may potentially prevent infections and kill microbes, offering a possible explanation for its association with a reduced risk of childhood leukemia.
- A meta-analysis found that breastfeeding for six months or longer could prevent approximately 14% to 19% of all childhood leukemia cases, suggesting its potential role in cancer prevention.
- Despite promising findings, ongoing research is needed to fully understand the biological mechanisms behind breastfeeding's protective effect against childhood leukemia and to confirm these findings.
- Barriers to breastfeeding, such as lack of workplace policies, access to lactation support, and racial inequalities, may hinder the ability of mothers to breastfeed their infants, potentially increasing the risk of childhood leukemia and other medical conditions.
