Related Factors of Acute Leukemia in Children and the Role of Breast Feeding

In this study we aimed to determine factors related to the etiology of cancer in children. We investigated this issue in a case control study of 300 patients, aged 2±14 years, with acute leukemia, and 300 controls, individually matched to cases for age and sex, and place of residence. Children were enrolled after selection by a continuous sampling method. Information regarding breast-feeding was obtained through face to face interviews with mothers. Breastfeeding for durations less than one month increased the risk for childhood acute leukemia. Also, results showed that children 18-13 months and 24-19 months were breast fed, respectively, 2.45 and 3.54 times less than had been breastfed children under 1 year were diagnosed with acute leukemia. (P<0.05). Higher number of children (OR=1.42, CI 1.03-1.96) and low family income (OR=0.6, CI 0.38-1.01) increased the risk for childhood acute leukemia (p<0.05). Results of this study indicate that childhood acute leukemia may be associated with breast-feeding, economic status, and number of children. Further cohort studies on factors causing acute Leukemia in children are recommended.