The effects of breastfeeding on breast cancer risk
Official title: Lactation on Breast Tumorigenesis
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11072017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how breastfeeding and having children later in life might affect the chances of developing breast cancer, especially for women with early signs of breast issues, to help them make better choices about breastfeeding.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $523,284 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271588-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women who are considering pregnancy or have recently given birth, particularly those over the age of 35 or those diagnosed with atypical breast lesions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or have not recently given birth may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how breastfeeding and pregnancy influence the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in women who have their first child at an older age. It aims to understand the relationship between lactation and the progression of early breast lesions to cancer. By examining both epidemiological data and experimental models, the study seeks to clarify the roles of pregnancy and lactation in breast cancer risk. The findings could help women make informed choices about breastfeeding, especially those diagnosed with atypical breast lesions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights that help women make informed decisions about breastfeeding and its implications for breast cancer risk.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on the effects of pregnancy on breast cancer risk, the specific focus on lactation's role in this context is less explored, making this research relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yi — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Li, Yi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Iodized salt and early brain development in babies of pregnant and breastfeeding women in rural Ethiopia
This grant tests whether giving iodized salt to pregnant and breastfeeding women helps their babies’ brain development.
-
IMPILO: New 6-month RR-TB regimen in pregnant and breastfeeding women
A study in pregnant and postpartum women with rifampicin-resistant TB will track how well a new all-oral 6-month treatment works and how well people stick to it.
-
Moringa in Breastfeeding: A mom-and-baby study
This trial tests whether adding moringa leaf powder to mothers’ diets can increase breast milk volume and improve infant growth among undernourished families in Kenya.
-
Balanced Energy Protein Supplement for mothers and infants in LMICs
A nutrition program tests if a ready-to-use protein supplement given to undernourished pregnant or breastfeeding women in South Asia can improve baby growth in the first 6 months.
-
UPLIFT: Understanding how HIV status shapes parental feeding choices
A patient-centered study explores how people with HIV make feeding decisions for their babies and what supports help them choose and carry out feeding plans.
-
Effects of iodized salt during pregnancy and breastfeeding on infant brain development in rural Ethiopia
Pregnant and breastfeeding people in rural Ethiopia will receive iodized salt to see how it affects their baby’s brain development.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.