Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both mothers and babies. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
This is particularly important as breast cancer has a high mortality rate among women.
New mothers are encouraged to breastfeed to ensure their babies stay healthy and to protect themselves against breast cancer.
As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 and 5, only 55% of children are exclusively breastfed (the infant receives only breast milk, no other liquids or solids are given).
The reason why breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer is because of hormonal changes during lactation that may reduce lifetime exposure to estrogen, a hormone linked to breast cancer, according to Dr Nitin Gupte, a gynecologist at Apollo Spectra in Pune.
Dr Mrunal Parab, a surgical oncologist at TGH-Onco Life Cancer Centre, highlighted that breastfeeding promotes the maturation of milk-producing cells and eliminating damaged cells before they can turn into tumors.
“Women who breastfeed often maintain a balanced lifestyle, which includes a nutritious diet and regular physical activity, further reducing their cancer risk,” said Dr Parab.
The expert advised women to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first 8-10 months.
Symptoms of breast cancer include lumps in breast tissue, changes in breast size and shape, inverted nipples, and nipple discharge.
Dr Prasad Kulat, a senior consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Ankura Hospital, said that mothers who breastfeed for at least six months reduce their risk of pre and post menopausal breast cancer.
“Breastfeeding induces hormonal changes that delay menstruation, lowering exposure to estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer. Women also shed breast tissue during breastfeeding, removing cells with DNA damage, preventing cancer,” said Dr Kulat.
Although breastfeeding significantly lowers the risk of breast cancer, it is not a guaranteed prevention method.
Women should seek support from lactation experts to ensure an adequate milk supply and consider using breast pumps if needed.
In addition to cancer prevention, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child and enhances their overall well-being.
Dr Nitin Gupte, a gynecologist at Apollo Spectra in Pune, explained, “Breastfed infants have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, ear and respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome, and gastrointestinal infections like diarrhea. For mothers, breastfeeding can prevent high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and breast and ovarian cancers.”
Experts recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods for at least another six months.
