Feeding the baby helps the baby to have a healthy start in life. It is believed to be healthy not only for the baby but also for the mother as it is found out that breastfeeding can lower the risk of cancer. Breast cancer is considered to be one of the common types of cancer found among rural women. When the cells in the breast mutate and cluster together, cancer is formed.
The link between lactating & breast cancer
Feeding helps to lower the risk of pre and post-menopausal cancer. Mothers who can feed their babies for more than six months would be considered to have a boon. Breastfeeding for a longer duration will provide additional protection as well.
Women would experience hormonal changes during their lactation period, such as delay in their menstrual cycle. This would help reduce a woman’s lifetime exposure to hormones like estrogen that promotes the growth of breast cancer cells. Less exposure to estrogen and abnormal cells could help prevent ovarian cancer too.
Breastfeeding would lead to the shedding of the breast tissues, and this helps to remove cells with potential DNA damage. Thus, the removal of these cells could help reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. Lactation can help change the expression of genes in the breast cells, which would have a lasting impact on the risk of developing cancer.
Women who breastfeed are less likely to become obese; hence, the chances to develop cancer would be minimal. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a healthy weight can lower the risk of various types of cancer in women. Having a baby and providing nourishment to the baby could reduce or avoid gaining weight compared to women who do not lactate.
Even though breastfeeding is considered to be a challenge, it is advised and recommended by doctors to mothers to breastfeed their babies after the delivery. It is best to breastfeed in the initial six months, and if they can continue beyond six months, then it is better.
Breastfeeding has its benefits for two people, and it is about two lives and health, which need to be given prior importance. Achieve all the required knowledge about it from the doctor and hospital for a healthy future.
Blog Reviewed By: Dr. Shiva Kumar Uppala
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