Past studies have looked at how breastfeeding is good for babies, but a new report shows that breastfeeding is good for the breasts, too; nursing your newborn can actually decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. A new report released by the American Institute for Cancer Research shows that breastfeeding, along with 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, not smoking, curbing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight is one of the lifestyle habits that can cut a woman's chances of developing breast cancer by 40%.

That means 70,000 cases of breast cancer a year can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. The report recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for up to six months, before adding other liquids and foods in order to decrease their risk of breast cancer. The report includes information from 81 new studies examining the link between breast cancer and lifestyle choices. According to Dr. Susan Higginbothom, director of research at the institute, “This makes us more certain than ever that the choices we make every day can protect us from breast cancer.”