Women who suffer from morning sicknes could be at a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.

A recent study of 3,000 women showed that those women who suffered from nausea during their pregnancy are 30% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who experience 9 nausea free months.

The study by researchers at the University of Buffalo, in New York compared preganacy related conditions such as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, serious weight gain, nausea and vomiting from 1,001 women with breast cancer with 1,917 cancer free women.

Researchers believe that the explanation may lie in the dramatic change in hormone levels, that occur during pregnancy, that affect breast tissue as well as trigger the feelings of nausea and sickness.

They also discovered that one hormone that is produced in the placenta has shown the potential to be protective against cancer.

David Jaworowicz, the studies leader, said: "Although the mechanism responsible for causing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy has yet to be pinpointed, it likely is a result of changing levels of ovarian and placental hormone production, which may include higher circulating levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin.

In-vitro studies have shown that this hormone possesses several activities that have potential protective effects against cancer cells.

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