Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?

Studies have indicated a 4.3% decrease in breast cancer risk for women who breastfeed for 12 months, with even more protection observed during prolonged breastfeeding.

To understand the connection, let's delve into the female menstrual cycle. Throughout this cycle, hormones like estrogen and progesterone play crucial roles. Estrogen, responsible for female sexual development, and progesterone, which supports pregnancy and prepares the uterine lining (endometrium), are central players.

During the menstrual cycle, when fertilization doesn't occur, the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding. The cycle involves rapid cell growth and death, potentially leading to replication errors or mutations in the cells' DNA. These mutations can increase the risk of cancer.

Breastfeeding comes into play by temporarily pausing menstrual cycles, reducing the number of opportunities for replication errors. This pause in cycles may decrease the risk of developing breast cancer. In essence, breastfeeding acts as a natural mechanism to lower this risk by minimizing the overall number of menstrual cycles experienced by a woman.

If you have any uncertainties or seek a better understanding of breast cancer, we invite you to reach out to CION Cancer Clinics. Our team is here to assist you. Feel free to contact us at 1800 120 2676, or you can conveniently fill out the form through the provided link.