The incidence of ovarian cancer amongst women who breastfed their children

Abstract

Topic Overview: Breastfeeding is known for its numerous benefits, both for the mother and for the child. However, its association with ovarian cancer risk is still being explored and research evidence is on the increase. Ovarian cancer is the second most common death associated with gynecological cancers among women, therefore the prevention and detection of ovarian cancer is a priority. This research study’s main aim was to explore whether women who have ever breastfed their child, are at a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. Thus, with the help of the chosen articles findings and discussion, an association between breastfeeding and ovarian cancer risk was explored. The Research Question: Are women who have ever breastfed their offspring at a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer? The PICO Elements: The population (P) studied was women. The intervention (I) was breastfeeding. The comparison (C) had to be women who have never breastfed. While the outcome (O) sought to be a reduction in the occurrence of ovarian cancer. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Articles in the English language were included, which had to be dated from 2005-2020, hence excluding articles in other languages and articles before 2005. The articles had to be either Meta-Analyses, Systematic Reviews, Randomised Controlled Trails or Cohort Studies. Thus, other study designs were excluded. Additionally, the studies had to investigate human females. Outcome of the search: Five studies were retrieved from the search: two Systematic Reviews, two Meta-Analyses and a Cohort Study. Appraisal Tools Used: In order to appraise the above mentioned studies, the CASP Tool was used according to each study’s design. Results and Conclusions: The majority of the studies analysed in this literature review showed that there is an association between breastfeeding and ovarian cancer risk. However, the recommended duration of breastfeeding was inconsistent in all of the studies, thus further research is needed to suggest whether an increased duration of breastfeeding time is directly related with a reduced incidence of ovarian cancer. Implications and Important Recommendations: Further awareness about the association between breastfeeding and ovarian cancer risk is recommended. It is also highly recommended to invest in local research in order to update local literature about breastfeeding and be culture specific.