DOES BREASTFEEDING PROTECT WOMEN FROM BREAST CANCER?
- Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer: risk drops by 4.3%
- Why is breastfeeding a protective factor?
- Is breastfeeding after cancer safe?
Breastfeeding is a crucial and delicate phase for the life of the baby and the mother. As we have seen in another article, together with the pediatrician Andrea Passion and the gynecologist Sergio Pecorelli, there are many reasons why, especially in the first year of life, children need breast milk, when it is possible for the mother. First of all, this food contains all the nutrients that the child needs to grow and develop properly. However, breastfeeding can also be a precious ally for the mother’s health, as the Ministry of Health also points out. Experts remind that it reduces the risk of bleeding after childbirth, stimulates the uterus to return to its original size, maintains the correct balance of blood glucose levels, thus reducing the risk of diabetes, and facilitates the return to a healthy weight. mother. Some studies confirm that breastfeeding is a protective factor for breast cancer. Let’s see why and in which cases.
BREASTFEEDING PROTECTS AGAINST BREAST CANCER: RISK DROPS BY 4.3%
It is interesting the relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer, the most widespread neoplasm in the female population which, according to AIRTUM – the Italian Cancer Registry Association, affected 52,800 in 2018. Although the data on survival and efficacy of therapies is reassuring, is still the leading cause of death related to cancer among women and, according to Istat data for 2015, there are about 12,000 victims every year.
Identifying the preventive factors of breast cancer, therefore, is a truly valuable contribution to the health of the community. With this in mind, it has been observed that the risk of breast cancer for breastfeeding women is reduced by 4.3% for each year of breastfeeding.
The case of women with a genetic predisposition
The results of the studies are even more encouraging when the cases of women with a genetic predisposition to the disease are isolated. The researchers found that in patients with a BRCA1 gene mutation, which carries an increased risk of breast cancer, breastfeeding has a considerable benefit. Specifically, the likelihood of developing the disease is estimated to halve. In women who are simply familiar with the disease, however, without a proven mutation, the risk drops by as much as 59%.
WHY IS BREASTFEEDING A PROTECTIVE FACTOR?
It is true, therefore, that breastfeeding protects against breast cancer, but studies show that this happens when the woman, at the same time, follows a healthy lifestyle. In particular, it was highlighted how a healthy diet, abstention from smoking, and alcohol are concomitant factors and therefore also have an influence on prevention.
Another factor that explains this positive correlation is the reduction in menstrual cycles during breastfeeding. This implies a lower exposure to hormonal fluctuations and imbalances which, on the other hand, can represent a risk factor for female cancers.
Finally, it was observed that the breast, during pregnancy and then with breastfeeding, undergoes transformations that complete its maturation. The breast cells are so fully developed and, therefore, more resistant to mutations that can lead to cancer.
IS BREASTFEEDING AFTER CANCER SAFE?
Finally, many mothers wonder whether breastfeeding after illness is a safe choice for the baby’s health. The unanimous answer of the experts, according to what AIRC and the Veronesi Foundation report, is affirmative, indeed it involves all those psychological and physical benefits that are valid in general, always if breastfeeding is possible.
Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy do not create problems: the studies carried out on breast milk have never shown residues or consequences of the treatments. It is possible, experts reassure, to breastfeed even from a breast that has been subjected to radiotherapy as well as to feed the baby from only one breast. What can make the difference is the mother’s serenity in breastfeeding, which should never be overshadowed, and the constant comparison with a specialist who knows the individual situation.
Also, in this case, clinical studies confirm that breastfeeding is protective, while it is not recommended in case of chemotherapy or radiotherapy in progress. There are other, subjective cases, in which the treating doctor may suggest avoiding breastfeeding, but they are evaluated from time to time, comparing themselves with a specialized reference figure.
Especially when the situation is so delicate, the support of a specialist is essential to be able to live an important phase of life with serenity. For this reason, support also offered by integrative health care, which is in addition to what is proposed by public health, can be valuable. Taking out an individual medicare insurance policy allows you to access discounted prices and reduce the time for specialist visits and teams of experts at some affiliated facilities. Competent people are available to dispel any doubts, even about breastfeeding. Did you know it is a protective factor for breast cancer?
