Breastfeeding and nutrition to 2 years of age and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors

Author Identifier

Margaret R Miller

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1872-1530

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

Routledge

School

Child Health Promotion Research Centre

RAS ID

21505

Funders

NHMRC, National Health and Medical Research Council

Grant Number

NHMRC Number : 254539

Comments

Greenop, K.R., Bailey, H.D., Miller, M., Scott, R.J., Attia, J., Ashton, L.J., Downie, P., Armstrong, B.K., Milne, E. (2015). Breastfeeding and nutrition to 2 years of age and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors in Nutrition and Cancer, 67(3), 431-441. Available here.

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and childhood brain tumors (CBT) 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 (ALL) and 2005 and 2010 (CBT) 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 ALL cases, 679 ALL controls, 299 CBT cases, and 733 CBT controls were analysed using unconditional logistic regression. Breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of ALL [odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32, 0.84), regardless of duration. Introduction of artificial formula within 14 days of birth was positively associated with ALL (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.37), as was exclusive formula feeding to 6 mo (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.05). No associations were seen between breastfeeding or formula use and risk of CBT. Our results suggest that breastfeeding and delayed introduction of artificial formula may reduce the risk of ALL but not CBT.

DOI

10.1080/01635581.2015.998839

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