Breastfeeding: Breast Cancer

Department of Health and Social Care written question – answered at on 15 May 2024.

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Photo of The Bishop of St Albans The Bishop of St Albans Convenor of the Lords Spiritual

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of low rates of breastfeeding on incidences of breast cancer.

Photo of Lord Markham Lord Markham The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care

Improving early diagnosis of cancer, including breast cancer, is a priority for the National Health Service. The public health benefits of breastfeeding for child and maternal health are significant and well established. Evidence suggests a range of potential benefits, for example, research published in the British Medical Journal found breastfeeding gave protection against breast cancer.

We want to ensure that every parent and carer understands the benefits of breastfeeding and has access to the high-quality infant feeding services they need, in their local area, to achieve their breastfeeding goals. Through the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme, we are investing £50 million to increase the range of specialist support, which is enabling parents to access face-to-face and virtual support whenever they need it.

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