In a message dated 12/12/2003 12:57:25 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
I think we also have to be very careful making promises about protection
from breast cancer.  While it seems safe to say that on a population-wide
basis, there is a statistical risk reduction associated with long duration
breastfeeding, this is not a guarantee on the individual level.
Barbara, I don't think any health professional can make any promise of full
protection to any event in life.  If they do, run.  Breastfed children get ear
infections, people can smoke and live a long life without ever getting lung
cancer, and yes a woman who breastfeed her children can still get breast cancer.
What we need to be honest about when discussing benefits and risks is to tell
the statistics.  I do not mean to memorize exact statistics but to give the
rough estimates.  Telling someone the statistical benefits of wearing a seat
belt then allows them to make an informed decision.  This does not mean that
they will never be in an accident.
If your point is to be careful how we state a benefit, that is fine, but we
should not be hesitant to give the risk and benefits because they are not 100%.
Ann Perry RN, IBCLC
Boston, MA

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