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Big Babies & Breast Cancer Linked

A large observational study indicates giving birth to large babies -- at least 8 pounds -- may increase the risk a woman will later develop breast cancer.

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Reporter: NBC/WOWT

A large observational study indicates giving birth to large babies -- at least 8 pounds -- may increase the risk a woman will later develop breast cancer.

Researchers say pregnant women who have bigger babies tend to have higher levels of estrogen and the other hormones associated with cancer.

But breastfeeding, having more than one child, and following a healthy diet and exercise plan can help reduce the overall cancer risk.

This study included analysis from the Framingham Offspring Birth History Study and the First And Second Trimester Evaluation of Risk for Aneuploidy trial.