Why does breastfeeding reduce the risk of cancer?

The Protective Power of Breastfeeding Against Cancer
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits for infants, but its protective effects extend to mothers as well, particularly in reducing the risk of breast cancer. This relationship is supported by a growing body of research that highlights several mechanisms through which breastfeeding may confer this protective effect.
Hormonal Changes and Reduced Estrogen Exposure
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding is thought to lower breast cancer risk is related to hormonal changes that occur during lactation. When a woman breastfeeds, her body experiences a delay in the return of menstrual periods, which effectively reduces her lifetime exposure to hormones such as estrogen. Elevated levels of estrogen have been linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. By prolonging the period of lactation, women may significantly decrease their cumulative exposure to these hormones, thereby lowering their cancer risk.
Cellular Differentiation and RNA Processing
Research has also indicated that the biological processes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding lead to changes in cellular differentiation and RNA processing. These changes may help protect against the development of certain types of breast cancer, including aggressive forms such as Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. For women with genetic predispositions, such as those carrying BRCA1 mutations, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk by as much as 22% to 55%.
Duration of Breastfeeding Matters
The duration of breastfeeding plays a crucial role in its protective effects. Studies suggest that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the reduction in her breast cancer risk. Specifically, breastfeeding for 12 months or longer is associated with a more significant protective effect. This correlation underscores the importance of promoting breastfeeding as a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer prevention.
Immunological Benefits
Breastfeeding also provides immunological advantages that may contribute to cancer prevention. The act of breastfeeding helps to establish a mother’s immune system and may enhance her overall health, which can be a critical factor in cancer prevention. Additionally, breastfed infants are less likely to become overweight or obese, conditions that are associated with an increased risk of developing various cancers later in life.
Conclusion
In summary, the protective effects of breastfeeding against breast cancer are multifaceted, involving hormonal changes, cellular processes, and immunological benefits. As research continues to explore this vital connection, it becomes increasingly clear that breastfeeding is not only beneficial for infants but also serves as a significant factor in reducing cancer risk for mothers. Encouraging breastfeeding can thus be seen as a public health imperative, with the potential to save lives and improve health outcomes for women globally.

Why does breastfeeding reduce SIDS?

Fewer infections. Antibodies transferred from mom to baby during breastfeeding protect babies from infections such as gastrointestinal or febrile illnesses that put them at increased risk for SIDS. Brain development.

Why does breastfeeding prevent cancer?

Breastfeeding lowers your risk of developing breast cancer. This is because it lowers lifetime exposure to the hormone oestrogen. When a woman breastfeeds, normal hormonal changes can delay their periods, which means oestrogen levels are lower. Oestrogen can play a role in promoting growth of breast cancer cells.

What happens when you stop breastfeeding after 2 years?

Once you stop breastfeeding you may find that your breasts look and feel very empty. The size of the breasts will likely return to your pre-pregnancy size but may look quite different. The fatty part of your breast will come back over time to make the breasts look fuller and plumper again.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after stopping breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

What is the best age to stop breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their life, and from 6 months babies should start eating solid foods as well as being breastfed for up to 2 years or longer.

What is the oldest breastfed child?

A British mother has revealed how she will miss breastfeeding her daughter after the youngster finally weaned – at age 9. Sharon Spink, a mom of four, insisted that feeding daughter Charlotte until earlier this year was completely normal and has cemented a lifelong bond between them.

What are the downsides of breastfeeding?

Here are some of the problems breastfeeding mums sometimes have, plus tips on how to tackle them.

• Sore or cracked nipples.
• Not enough breast milk.
• Breast engorgement.
• Baby is not latching on properly.
• Too much breast milk.
• Breastfeeding and thrush.
• Blocked milk duct.
• Mastitis.

Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of cervical cancer?

This study found that breastfeeding experience and a longer breastfeeding duration are associated with reduced risk of breast, thyroid, and cervical cancer in Korean women. It can be used as a basis for encouraging breastfeeding, and suggests further research on modifiable factors that reduce cancer risks.

At what age is breast milk no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

How many years of breastfeeding reduce breast cancer risk?

The risk of breast cancer is reduced by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding, this is in addition to the 7.0% decrease in risk observed for each birth. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer (20%) and in carriers of BRCA1 mutations (22–55%).