Investigating the Protective Role of Breastfeeding Against Breast Cancer

Principal Investigator

Name
Suhad Ali

Degrees
Ph.D

Institution
Research Institute McGill University Health Centre

Position Title
Professor of Medicine

Email
suhad.ali@mcgill.ca

About this CDAS Project

Study
PLCO (Learn more about this study)

Project ID
PLCO-1643

Initial CDAS Request Approval
Aug 9, 2024

Title
Investigating the Protective Role of Breastfeeding Against Breast Cancer

Summary
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. While the exact causes of breast cancer are multifactorial, encompassing genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, breastfeeding has consistently been highlighted as a modifiable behavior that may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Epidemiological studies suggest that breastfeeding offers a protective effect, potentially through hormonal regulation, reduction of lifetime menstrual cycles, and excretion of carcinogens through breast milk. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning this protective effect remain unclear, and the degree of protection may vary across different populations and subtypes of breast cancer.

Aims

Aim 1: Determine the epidemiological association between breastfeeding duration and breast cancer risk across different populations and subtypes.

Aim 2: Elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which breastfeeding confers protection against breast cancer.

Aim 3: Evaluate the long-term population-level impact of breastfeeding promotion on breast cancer incidence.

Collaborators

Dr. Roger Silva