|
|
 |
 |
 Press releases & statements |
|
|
| |
| Most women unaware breastfeeding can prevent cancer |
April 28, 2008
|
World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has called for more education on the benefits of breastfeeding after a survey showed three quarters of women in Britain are unaware that breastfeeding can help prevent cancer.
Just 25 per cent of women questioned in the YouGov survey, on behalf of WCRF, thought breastfeeding reduces the mother’s cancer risk, even though there is convincing scientific evidence that it protects against breast cancer.
And just a third of women thought that being breastfed reduces a child’s risk of being overweight. This is despite scientific evidence showing that being breastfed probably protects the child against being overweight and obese, which is important for cancer prevention because being overweight increases cancer risk.
It is because breastfeeding can protect both the mother and child that WCRF recommends that if they are able to, mothers aim to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then continue with complementary feeding after that.
Men were even less aware about the benefits of breastfeeding. Just 13 per cent knew that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of cancer and only 17 per cent thought it reduces the child’s chances of being overweight.
Lucie Galice, General Manager of WCRF, said: “It is a real concern that so many women are unaware that breastfeeding can help prevent cancer. But the evidence on this is convincing and this is why we recommend that if they are able to, mothers aim to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and then continue with complementary feeding after that.
“This means that many new mothers are making choices about whether to breastfeed without knowing it can help reduce cancer risk for both them and their child.
“It is clear we have a lot of work to do to raise awareness about the link between breastfeeding and cancer prevention because it is important that when it comes to deciding whether to breastfeed, women are in a position to make an informed choice.”
In total, 19 per cent of the 1,998 people in the survey thought breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of cancer, while 25 per cent of people thought it reduces the child’s risk of being overweight.
ENDS
For more information contact Richard Evans on 020 7343 4253.
E-mail: r.evans@wcrf.org
Notes to editors
The WCRF report published last November was the first major cancer prevention report to make a specific recommendation on breastfeeding.
The YouGov poll found that people were most aware in Scotland, with 28 per cent of people saying that breastfeeding reduces a woman’s risk of breast cancer and that breastfeeding reduces the child’s risk of being overweight.
People in London were least aware in GB, with only 16 per cent saying that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of cancer and 23 per cent saying that breastfeeding reduces the child’s risk of being overweight.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,998 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th - 21st April 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
About WCRF
World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) raises awareness that cancer is largely preventable and helps people make choices to reduce their chances of developing the disease.
This includes research into how cancer risk is related to diet, physical activity, and weight management, and education programmes that highlight the fact that about a third of cancers could be prevented through changes to lifestyle. For more information on the charity’s work, visit www.wcrf-uk.org
The WCRF report, called Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, was launched in November 2007 and is the most comprehensive report ever published on the link between cancer and lifestyle. For more information, visit www.dietandcancerreport.org. |
|
Return to Press Release index
Return to Press & Media Corner |
|
Copyright
WCRF UK, 19 Harley Street, London W1G 9QJ - Tel: 020 7343 4200 - Fax: 020 7343 4201 - wcrf@wcrf.org
Registered Charity No. 1000739
|
|
