Can Breastfeeding Impact The Risk Of Breast Cancer?
Many considerations go into a mother’s decision on whether or not to breastfeed, which is very personal and depends on her unique situation. There is a lot of buzz around whether or not breastfeeding has the potential to reduce the risk of breast cancer – let’s dive into two of the driving factors.
1. Hormonal Influence
Breastfeeding can affect hormonal levels in a way that may be protective against breast cancer. During pregnancy and lactation, hormonal changes result in a temporary delay of the menstrual cycle which reduces a woman's exposure to estrogen. This hormone can promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer.
2. Cellular Differentiation
Breastfeeding induces cellular differentiation in the breast tissue, making the cells more specialized. This differentiation process may make the cells less susceptible to becoming cancerous. An article published in 2023 reported that some studies have suggested that breastfeeding may help clear out cells with DNA damage or pre-cancerous changes in the breast tissue. This clearance process may reduce the likelihood of cancer development.
The protective effect of breastfeeding against breast cancer appears to be more pronounced with longer durations of breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed for a more extended period (12 months or longer) may experience a more substantial reduction in their breast cancer risk.
It's important to note that while breastfeeding may contribute to a reduced risk of breast cancer, individual risk factors and genetic predispositions also play a significant role. Additionally, other lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol intake can further contribute to breast cancer prevention. With Gabbi, women can understand their risk factors and create a comprehensive plan for breast health.
Reference:
Chen Y, Jiang P, Geng Y. The role of breastfeeding in breast cancer prevention: a literature review. Front Oncol. 2023 Sep 7;13:1257804. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1257804. PMID: 37746260; PMCID: PMC10512942.
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Shelly Beckley is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong background in oncology and over a decade of experience as a nurse practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, with direct experience in cancer care and patient advocacy. Her broad scope in breast health spans from counseling women who are at high-risk to the diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship in breast cancer. Shelly is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and plays an active role in quality improvement initiatives for cancer care. She also leads the clinical team at Gabbi, a leading healthcare company working to make late-stage breast cancer obsolete.