Breastfeeding as a risk-reducing factor for Breast cancer development.

Breast cancer is the main condition I believe all women fear. Most of us know women, young and old who have suffered from this condition. Some fight this condition with all their might and emerge stronger out the other side, but for many, this cancer takes all they have left. Breast cancer is a significant health concern that affects millions of women worldwide. It is the most common cancer among women, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone, according to the World Health Organization. As with most cancers, there are multiple factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer. Thankfully we have ongoing research on the prevention of breast cancer, and it is clear that breastfeeding plays a significant role in reducing the risk of disease. So, allow me to explore this relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk.

Breast cancer is a multifactorial condition. There are numerous risk factors including genetics, age, hormonal factors and lifestyle choices. Breast cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the breast tissue. These cells then proliferate to form a tumor, which may or may not be detectable through self-exams, mammograms, and other clinical examinations.

“We know the research says that when a mum breastfeeds, it helps to reduce the estrogen profile in her inner breasts…”

Judy Kirkwood, IBCLC, Director of Best Start Baby Non Profit

Fortunately, we have years of research investigating the protective effect of breastfeeding in relation to breast cancer risk. This protective effect can be described through several mechanisms:

• There is a hormonal influence of the dominant hormone during lactation, called prolactin, which has been found to suppress tumor growth to some extent. During pregnancy, the female body has high levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone which is known to promote the growth of breast cancer cells. These hormones are found to be lower during lactation, eliciting a protective effect.
• Breastfeeding helps to maintain the health of the breast tissue and reduce abnormal cell growth. Immature and undifferentiated cells are more susceptible to becoming cancerous.
• Breastfeeding suppresses the hormone, estrogen, which is responsible for menstruation, and by doing so increases the period between pregnancies to allow for cell recovery. The reduced exposure to estrogen results in fewer menstrual cycles, which have been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
• Breast milk contains specific components that are responsible for the removal of potentially damaged or mutated cells, thereby aiding in maintaining healthy breast cells.
• Breastfeeding women are thought to practice certain lifestyle factors, such as consuming a balanced diet, performing regular exercise, and lower alcohol consumption. These are considered protective behaviors that have been found to lower the risk of breast cancer.  

Now that we understand the mechanisms of action between breastfeeding and the reduction of breast cancer risk, we can look at the evidence and significance thereof.

“What do we do if we see something that doesn’t feel quite right? We would encourage a mum to go for a breast ultrasound, just to exclude any potential cancer risk.”

Judy Kirkwood, IBCLC, Director of Best Start Baby Non Profit

A study published in the Annals of Oncology in 2012 found that women who had breastfed for at least 6 months had a 10% lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who had never breastfed. The Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of worldwide data. They reported that for every 12 months of breastfeeding, the risk of breast cancer decreased by 4.3%. A study published in JAMA Oncology in 2019 revealed that breastfeeding, particularly for a duration of 6 months or more, was associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer, even in women with a family history of the disease. Further studies found that women who had 3 or more children, with the firstborn before the maternal age of 25 years, had an increased breast cancer risk of 106% if they did not breastfeed.

These are only a few findings that confirm the lower risk of breast cancer with breastfeeding, especially when continued past 6 months, while also reporting the significant increase in breast cancer risk for women who were pregnant and did not breastfeed.

The significance of these findings has contributed to the recommendation to promote breastfeeding for two years or beyond, while also prioritizing lactation support for women with a family history of breast cancer.

Now it is more evident that breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the health and development of newborns but also plays a crucial role in reducing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. So, what can we do to encourage and support breastfeeding as a preventive measure?

1. Raise awareness about the link between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk reduction. All pregnant women should learn about this while making their decisions about infant feeding.
2. Our workplaces should enable continued breastfeeding well after returning to work by providing breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, with dedicated spaces and flexible schedules for breastfeeding and pumping.
3. Create a good support structure that will respect and encourage continued breastfeeding.
4. Breast self-examination should remain routine for all breastfeeding women. Seek the advice of your healthcare provider if you feel any abnormalities.

As Judy Kirkwoord, chairperson for Lactation Consultants of South Africa (LACSA), Director of Best Start Baby, IBCLC, and Registered nurse, best explains, “We know the research says that when a mum breastfeeds, it helps to reduce the estrogen profile in her inner breasts and it helps to reduce the incidence of ovarian, uterine and all female related breast cancers. That means that women can still develop breast cancer, but the incidence is reduced. What do we do if we see something that doesn’t feel quite right? We would encourage a mum to go for a breast ultrasound, just to exclude any potential cancer risk.”

I often like to joke and say that I believe breastfeeding is the cure for cancer, and maybe one day we will be able to prove this is true. For now, breastfeeding remains a beautiful way to nourish and bond with your child, while also proving to be a significant step toward reducing your risk of breast cancer. The scientific evidence is clear: breastfeeding offers long-term health benefits for mothers, and the protective effects it provides against breast cancer are substantial. By embracing and supporting breastfeeding, we can take a meaningful step towards preventing this devastating disease, instead of having to find a cure.

Writer:

Carene Joubert – RD(SA) , SACLC. Cell no 083 501 3927

Contributor:

Judy Kirkwood, IBCLC, Director of Best Start Baby Non Profit No 281-341 NPO, Developer of Shark Latch Technique  TM and Patent.  Cell no 082 562 1986/ www.Beststartbaby.com