Breast Cancer Risk And Breastfeeding: What Is The Relationship?

(CTN News) – Providing breast milk to a baby, Breast Cancer which is the process in which breast milk is produced and provided to them, is one of the most important steps in a child’s development and overall well-being.

The truth is that it leads to a lot of changes in your breasts, but it does not necessarily lead to health problems as a result. Did you know that one in eight people will develop some type of breast cancer at some point in their lives?

As you are well aware, breast-feeding or pumping can cause changes in the breast, but does it increase your risk of developing cancer as a result? Let’s find out what the answer is!

Breastfeeding benefits both mother and child

In addition to containing antibodies that strengthen an infant’s immune system, breast milk is also essential for promoting a healthy gut microbiota.

As well as aiding digestion and absorption of nutrients, these beneficial bacteria protect against harmful pathogens. In addition to these physical advantages, lactation fosters a strong emotional bond between the mother and the child.

As a result of breastfeeding, moments of intimacy, nurturing touch, and eye contact are created that lead to a sense of bonding and emotional stability.

A further benefit of nursing is that the hormonal exchange triggers the release of oxytocin in both mother and baby, which increases feelings of love, trust, and attachment.

There are a large number of women who seek the assistance of a lactation expert throughout their breastfeeding journey. It is also possible that some women may hesitate due to the myths associated with lactation.

Break Breast Cancer risk doesn’t go up with lactation, it goes down!

There is a common misconception that lactation increases the risk of malignancy in women. Recent research has shown that not only is this belief unfounded, but breastfeeding actually has a protective effect against certain types of cancer.

An example of this is breast cancer itself. Breastfeeding has consistently been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women, especially if they breastfeed for a prolonged period of time.

A study published in Cancer Medicine found that breastfeeding for two years reduces the risk of breast cancer by 1 percent.

Additionally, lactation has been found to provide protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers. Breastfeeding suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the release of estrogen, which reduces the exposure to hormones associated with these cancers.

Moreover, it has been suggested that lactation assists in the rapid shed of cells from the breast ducts and ovaries, thus preventing the formation of tumours as a result of mutant cells.

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