Mother's milk is very important for the newborn. This gives the child the necessary nutrition and also develops the child's ability to fight against diseases. Breast milk is the complete food for the baby and is very important for the development of the baby. It contains antibodies that protect the baby from infections and diseases. Breastfeeding is very beneficial not only for the baby but also for the mother.

According to experts, it reduces the risk of breast cancer. In today's article, Dr Kanchan Kaur knows how breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. Dr Kanchan Kaur is the Senior Director, of the Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Institute, Medanta Hospital Gurugram.

How common is breast cancer in women?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue. When breast cells collect and form a tumour, it can be breast cancer. Breast cancer can occur in both women and men but it is more common in women. In 2020, about 2.3 million cases of breast cancer were reported in women worldwide. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer.

How does breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer in several ways. Firstly, due to the hormonal changes caused by breastfeeding, there is a delay in the return of the menstrual cycle after delivery. Periods in women stimulate the cells of the breast. Due to this abnormal cells can develop which can later lead to breast cancer.

Another reason is that breastfeeding makes breast tissue less susceptible to cancer. During the release of milk from the breast, the breast tissue contracts. During this, fat cells replace the cells that produce milk. During this process, any abnormal cells that have developed during the menstrual cycle are destroyed and the risk of breast cancer is reduced.

Apart from this, the production of estrogen hormone in the body of women also decreases due to breastfeeding. Estrogen is the hormone that stimulates the growth of breast tissue, and higher estrogen levels are directly related to an increased risk of breast cancer. By reducing estrogen levels, breastfeeding may help prevent the growth of cancer cells in breast tissue.

What does the research say?

The risk of breast cancer is less in women who do breastfeed; this fact has also come to the fore in many types of research. A study has revealed that if a woman breastfeeds her child for 6 months, then the risk of breast cancer in her is reduced by about 5 percent as compared to a woman who does not breastfeed. At the same time, it has been revealed in another research that the risk of breast cancer is reduced by about 20 percent in women who have breastfed for a year or more.

Other health benefits

  • The risk of postpartum depression is less.
  • Reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes.
  • Bone density improves.

Disclaimer

Your skin and body are as different as you are. We endeavour to bring you correct, safe and expert-verified information through our articles and social media handles, but still, you must consult your doctor before trying any home remedy, hack or fitness tip.