One in 20 breast cancer cases ‘could be prevented if mothers breastfeed’

THOUSANDS of breast cancer cases could be prevented each year if women breastfed more and drank less alcohol, warns a major report today.

One in four UK cases is due to ‘modifiable risk factors’, which could be reduced with lifestyle changes, it says.

Around 2,600 cases – or almost one in 20 – are linked to low breastfeeding rates and one in ten to alcohol consumption, according to research by the Lancet Commission.

Bold policy actions are needed to promote better lifestyles despite ‘tremendous advances’ in research and treatments slashing death rates, it adds.

Latest figures show there are 55,900 new cases of breast cancer each year, with around 11,500 deaths. The Commission, led by the University of Cambridge, studied the diagnosis, treatment and experiences of women diagnosed with the most common cancer in the world.

In high- income countries, including the UK, there were more cases of preventable disease triggered by factors such as sedentary lifestyles and obesity.

Experts estimate that 4.7 per cent of UK cases are linked to women not breastfeeding, which is known to lower the risk of the disease by 4 per cent for every 12 months spent doing it. The World Health Organisation recommends solely breastfeeding babies for their first six months.

Yet the UK has some of the lowest rates globally with only around one in 200 women continuing past 12 months. Meanwhile researchers found those who have a small glass of wine a day are 9 per cent more likely to get breast cancer than non-drinkers.

This rises to 60 per cent among the heaviest drinkers. Officials must consider smoking- style warnings on alcohol or following Scotland’s lead with minimum pricing, suggests the commission.

It also found that eight to 13 per cent of UK breast cancer cases are due to obesity, which increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Dr Simon Vincent, a director at charity Breast Cancer Now, said: ‘While we can’t predict who will get breast cancer, we know prevention is our best weapon.’

The Department of Health said survival rates were improving across almost all cancers, including breast cancer, but ‘we recognise there is work to be done’.