Studies show breastfeeding has a link to reducing a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Dr. Ashley Hendrix, a Breast Surgical Oncologist at Regional One Health Cancer Care, said breastfeeding can cause the body to be exposed to less estrogen, which lowers cancer risk.
It can also prompt women to develop other protective behaviors, like exercising, eating well, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
Many new moms are aware of how breastfeeding benefits babies by providing ideal nutrition, delivering antibodies that protect against illness, and offering a sense of security and bonding.
But there is another benefit that applies directly to new moms themselves: research shows that breastfeeding may play a significant role in reducing your risk of developing breast cancer.
Ashley Hendrix, MD, FACS, is a breast surgical oncologist at Regional One Health Cancer Care and a national leader in the treatment of breast cancer.
During National Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August, she is educating patients about the link between breastfeeding and reduced breast cancer risk. “Numerous studies have looked at the link between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk,” Dr. Hendrix said. “A landmark study suggests that for every 12 months a woman breastfeeds, her risk of breast cancer decreases by about 4.3%, and that any amount of breastfeeding can have protective benefits.”
That reduction doesn’t change based on a woman’s overall breast cancer risk, the age at which she has her first child, or the number of children she has.
“I want women to understand the protective benefits of breastfeeding so it can be part of their decision-making process if they’re able to breastfeed,” Dr. Ashley Hendrix said. “I also want women to know they can manage their breast cancer risk in other ways – think of it as a buffet, and do all of the things you can!”
Dr. Hendrix said there are several reasons why breastfeeding has an impact on cancer risk.
First, it causes hormonal changes in a woman’s body. “During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body produces less estrogen,” she explained. “Estrogen is linked to promoting the growth of breast cancer cells, so a reduction in exposure to estrogen when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding provides some protection against the formation of cancer cells.”
Also, she noted, breastfeeding can prompt women to adopt other healthy lifestyle choices that can contribute to a lower risk of breast cancer.
“When a mom breastfeeds, she is often advised to maintain a balanced diet, stay active, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption,” she explained. “Those are all factors that can play their own role in reducing your risk of breast cancer.”
Dr. Hendrix added those are steps all women can take, regardless of whether they have children and breastfeed.
She said it’s important to keep in mind that not all women have pregnancies, and not all women who give birth can breastfeed or choose to breastfeed.
Therefore, it’s important for health care providers to get to know patients as individuals, respect their goals and choices, and offer advice and support that fits each patient’s life.
“I want women to understand the protective benefits of breastfeeding when it comes to breast cancer risk so it can be part of their decision-making process if they’re able to breastfeed,” she said. “I also want women to know they can manage their breast cancer risk in other ways – think of it as a buffet, and do all of the things you can!”
Breastfeeding can prompt new moms to adopt other behaviors that protect against breast cancer, such as exercising, eating healthy, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
“Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are all great ways to manage your breast cancer risk. It is also essential to always get your screening mammogram and contact your health care provider if you notice any changes in your breasts.”
All average-risk women should get an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40, and women who are at a high risk for breast cancer due to family history or other factors should talk to their provider about their screening needs, including whether they qualify for genetic testing.
“Breast cancer is scary, but there are a lot of things women can do to take charge of their health,” Dr. Hendrix said. “Make healthy lifestyle choices to manage risk factors. Be aware of symptoms and see your doctor if you have any concerns. Get your mammograms. Even if you can’t always prevent cancer, you can catch it early when it’s much easier to treat and outcomes are better.”