Breastfeeding & Reduced Breast Cancer Risk

Research suggest that breastfeeding her children may lower a woman’s risk for breast cancer, especially if she spends a year or longer of her lifetime breastfeeding (either with one child or as a cumulative amount of time with more than one child). Breastfeeding causes hormonal changes in a mother that may delay the return of her menstrual cycle and reduce her lifetime exposure to oestrogen and other hormones that may increase the risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding may also help protect cells from mutations that can lead to breast cancer. A woman’s risk for breast cancer is influenced by a number of factors. Risk factors such as increased age and family history are not within an individual’s control, but there are important steps a woman can take to help reduce her risk: Maintain a healthy weight: Women who gain excess weight during adulthood, especially after menopause, increase their risk for breast cancer. Follow a healthy eating plan: Following a healthy diet that focuses on a variety of colourful vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains whilst limiting highly processed foods and foods with added sugars helps a woman maintain a healthy weight and meet her nutritional needs. Be physically active: Physical activity reduces a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Even occasional physical activity can reduce the risk. Regular physical activity also helps a woman maintain a healthy weight. Understand the risks of alcohol: Research suggests that the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her risk for breast cancer. Women who choose to drink should talk to their healthcare professional about how alcohol may increase their risk for breast cancer. Know the risks of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy: Women should discuss how the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy may affect their risk for breast cancer with their healthcare professional. Find More Great Teaching Tools To Promote Breast Cancer Awareness And Breastfeeding Whether you are looking for educational materials to promote breast cancer awareness or breastfeeding, Health Edco has a full range of teaching tools to help ensure the health of mothers and babies. Discover models, leaflets, and displays dedicated to breast cancer awareness in our women’s health product section. Our Childbirth Graphics section dedicated to breastfeeding teaching tools features materials that explain the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies and how to get breastfeeding off to the right start. The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.