[note the second theory - Will] LONG-TERM BREAST-FEEDING MAY SHRINK CANCER RISK A study of women in China found that those who breast-fed their babies for two years or more reduced their risk of breast cancer by 50%. The study did not explore why breast-feeding lowers the risk, but one theory is that breast-feeding reduces exposure to estrogen and the regular female hormone cycles. Another theory is that fat-soluble carcinogens and pollutants are not stored as much in lactating breasts. Researchers hope the study will encourage more U.S. women to breast-feed for longer periods. Currently, less than a third continue breast-feeding until their babies are 6 months old. Seattle Times, January 31, 2001 For full text, go to http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/SeattleTimes.woa/wa/gotoArticle?zsection_id=268448412&text_only=0&slug=breast31&document_id=134264080
