Research: Larger babies can mean increased risk of breast cancer

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Big babies are burden enough for expectant moms, but new research shows there may be another price to pay after childbirth.

Researchers already know that having larger babies can mean increased risk of future breast cancer for mothers, now a study in “PLos One” may be the most definitive yet.

Scientists examined data from 410 women from 1991 to 2008. They found that those who delivered babies in the top 20 percent for weight – at least eight and a quarter pounds – were 2.9 times more likely to develop breast cancer.

They also found that mothers with the heaviest babies were more likely to have biomarker levels associated with breast cancer risk.

The authors say the hormonal changes associated with heavier babies may be responsible for the greater breast cancer risk to moms, independently of other risk factors.