Authors:
Greenop KR, Bailey HD, Miller M, Scott RJ, Attia J, Ashton LJ,... Milne, E.
Authors notes:
Nutr Cancer. 2015;67(3):431-41.
Keywords:
acute lymphoblastic leukemia, adolescent, artificial milk, Australian, brain tumor, breast feeding, cancer risk, cereal, chicken meat, child, child nutrition, childhood leukemia,folic acid, vitamin
Abstract:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and childhood brain tumors are 2 of the most common forms of childhood cancer, but little is known of their etiology.
In 2 nationwide case-control studies we investigated whether breastfeeding, age of food introduction, or early diet are associated with the risk of these cancers.
Cases aged 0-14 years were identified from Australian pediatric oncology units between 2003 and 2007 acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 2005 and 2010 childhood brain tumors and population-based controls through nationwide random-digit dialing.
Mothers completed questionnaires giving details of infant feeding up to the age of 2 yr.
Data from 322 acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases, 679 acute lymphoblastic leukemia controls, 299 childhood brain tumors cases, and 733 childhood brain tumors controls were analysed using unconditional logistic regression.
Breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, regardless of duration.
Introduction of artificial formula within 14 days of birth was positively associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as was exclusive formula feeding to 6 mo.
No associations were seen between breastfeeding or formula use and risk of childhood brain tumors.
Our results suggest that breastfeeding and delayed introduction of artificial formula may reduce the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia but not childhood brain tumors.