Women Who Breastfeed May Have Lower Risk Of Breast Cancer

New findings published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that women who breastfeed will have a lower risk of breast cancer.

While previous studies have also shown that breastfeeding is ultimately better for the baby, a new study also shows that it can potentially lower the risk of breast cancer for the mother, too.

"We found in this study of over 1,600 women with breast cancer that those who previously breast-fed had a 30 percent overall decreased risk of their breast cancer recurring," according Marilyn Kwan of California's Kaiser Pemanente via CBS News. "We also found those who previously breast-fed had a 28 percent reduced risk of dying from their breast cancer."

For the study, researchers analyzed data on over 1,500 women with breast cancer, mostly coming from Kaiser Permanete in California.

They found that those who breastfed or had a history of breastfeeding showed a 30 percent lower recurrence risk for breast cancer and were 28 percent less likely to die from the disease, as well. However, the same could not be said of women who breastfed for less than six months.

As breastfeeding remains the most natural nurturing process for children once they are born, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies are breastfed for at least six months following birth and should continue to be breastfeed for at least a year thereafter.