Kathy Dettwyler states:
"The appropriate response to people not understanding the epidemiological
concept of protection, or reduced risk, is to educate people about what the
terms mean.  Of course breastfeeding protects against breast cancer, or
reduces the risk of breast cancer.  The scientific research clearly shows
that to be true.  Of course this isn't a 100% guarantee -- nothing ever
is."
    in reply to my concern about stating that breastfeeding reduces the
risk of breast cancer vs protecting against breast cancer.
My comment seems to have been misunderstood. My concern is that some
mothers and some health professionals feel that they do not need to worry
about the possibility of breast cancer whilst breastfeeding (and some
mothers continue to feel that way even after they have finished lactating).
I agree we need to educate people BUT we also need to be careful how we
explain protection and risks to people. Not everyone has an understanding
of these terms as they relate to epidemiology.
Ellen McIntyre IBCLC (South Australia)