Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer

Breastfeeding brings many benefits to babies and mothers. Recently, researchers have also shown that, breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The benefit of breastfeeding is to help children strengthen the immune system and build a relationship between mother and baby. In addition, breastfeeding also helps prevent breast cancer in mothers. The following information of aFamilyToday Health may surprise you more about this issue.

Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of breast cancer?

The answer is yes. Four studies have shown this:

In 2002, a study showed that women who breastfeed for about 12 months, the risk of breast cancer is reduced by 4.3% compared to women who do not breastfeed.

In 2009, another study showed that women with a family history of breast cancer, if they breastfeed, their risk of getting this disease before menopause is reduced to 60%.

In 2017, according to another study, African-American women are often at risk for severe breast cancer that is difficult to treat. But if they breastfeed, the risk of breast cancer is reduced.

Finally, a study published in October 2017 found that, if women breastfeed, their risk of breast cancer decreases by 20%.

However, the authors of the above studies also said that many types of breast cancers that are difficult to treat are quite common in women with many risk factors such as obesity, multiple pregnancy, and childbirth. young. This shows a need to encourage more women to breastfeed.

In general, if you can and want to breastfeed, especially if you have a family member who has had breast cancer like a mother or sister.

Why does breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?

First, the menstrual cycle that reappears after the birth of lactating women is usually slower than for women who do not. Therefore, they are less affected by estrogen. Second, breastfeeding helps breast cells be resistant to mutations that cause cancer.

In addition to the above factors, some other factors such as breastfeeding women tend to quit smoking, not drink alcohol and eat more nutritious foods also contribute to this benefit. Healthy habits in daily life while breastfeeding also help reduce the risk of breast cancer in many women.

How long should I breastfeed to reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Many researchers recommend that you breastfeed as much as possible. Even if you feed your baby formula (formula) , you should still breastfeed your baby with mixed breast milk to help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

It is recommended to breastfeed for at least 1 year or if you and your baby both want to do this longer, you can still continue to feed your baby to get many positive benefits from this. However, if you cannot breastfeed, do not be too stressful. Not everyone who breast-feeding is free of breast cancer, and not everyone who does not breastfeed will develop breast cancer.

Remember, the most effective way to reduce your risk of breast cancer is to have a healthy lifestyle. Only 5 - 10% of cases of breast cancer are caused by genetic defects while the remaining 90 - 95% of cases are caused by the environment and living habits.

There are many factors that influence this such as smoking, eating a lot of fried, fried foods; Drinking alcohol, using stimulants, sedentary lifestyle ... This shows that breastfeeding is not the only way to reduce the risk of breast cancer. If possible, breastfeed and if you can't, don't worry too much.