Meta-Analysis of Breastfeeding's Impact on Pediatric Immune Modulation and Risk Reduction of Childhood Lymphomas

Talat Mahmood; Atta Ullah; Wasiq Raza; Saqib Muhammad; Nabuwat Khaksar; Adila Islam Ansari; Maliha Rohi; Kainat Khan; Atiq Ur Rehman; Jalwa Altaf

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v2i02.284

Authors

Talat Mahmood Department of Paediatrics, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Atta Ullah Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Rehman Medical Institute (RMI), Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Wasiq Raza Department of Paediatrics, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Saqib Muhammad Department of Paediatrics, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Yunan, China.
Nabuwat Khaksar Department of Paediatrics, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Adila Islam Ansari Department of Pathology, Pioneer Laboratory, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Maliha Rohi DHQ Hospital, Sikanderabad Nager, Gilgit, Pakistan.
Kainat Khan Department of Internal Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Atiq Ur Rehman Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, KP, Pakistan.
Jalwa Altaf Department of Paediatrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v2i02.284

Keywords:

Breastfeeding, Childhood Lymphomas, Immune Modulation, Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding offers nutritional and immunological benefits, enhancing immune system development in newborns. It has gained research interest for its potential to reduce childhood cancer risk, particularly lymphomas, though evidence remains limited. This meta-analysis evaluates breastfeeding’s protective role against childhood lymphomas. Objective: To assess the impact of breastfeeding duration, exclusivity, and geographical variability on childhood lymphoma risk. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria included breastfeeding exposure, lymphoma outcomes, and effect measures (ORs). Quality assessment and data extraction were performed using a standardized checklist. Meta-analysis employed a random-effects model. Results: The analysis included 24 studies comprising over 150,000 children. Breastfed children showed a 22% lower risk of childhood lymphomas (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.72–0.85; p < 0.001). Longer breastfeeding (>6 months) and exclusivity provided stronger protection. Subgroup analysis indicated a more significant effect for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (OR: 0.74) than Hodgkin’s lymphoma (OR: 0.83). Geographic variability was observed, with Asia showing the strongest protective effects. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding and prolonged breastfeeding substantially reduce childhood lymphoma risk, highlighting breastfeeding as a cost-effective public health strategy for cancer prevention. Further research is needed to explore underlying biological and psychological mechanisms and regional differences. Breastfeeding promotion should remain a global priority to improve pediatric health and reduce childhood cancer burden.

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