Aggressive cancer linked to timing of childbirth
Dec 12, 2012, 2:15 PM | Updated: 2:49 pm
Researchers in Seattle are suggesting there's a link between delaying childbirth and a reduced risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer. (AP Photo/file)
(AP Photo/file)
Researchers in Seattle are suggesting there’s a link between delaying childbirth and a reduced risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer.
A study found that younger women who wait at least 15 years after their first menstrual period to have a baby cut their risk of triple-negative cancer by up to 60 percent. It’s a relatively uncommon subtype of cancer that does not respond to hormone blocking drugs, such as Tamoxifen.
The findings from a Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study appear online in
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment report.
Researchers point out that the findings have particular significance for African-American women, who are disproportionately impacted by triple-negative breast cancer.
The research also confirmed previous studies that found that breastfeeding offers some protection against that same form of breast cancer.
