Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the child but also for the mother. But have you ever wondered that if a mother does not breastfeed her child, can it increase her risk of breast cancer? Recently, many researches have confirmed that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer in mothers.
What does research say?
Various research has found that breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of breast cancer. A study by the University of North Carolina states that breastfeeding causes hormonal changes, which prevent cancer cells from growing.
Breastfeeding and hormonal effects
During breastfeeding, certain hormones are produced in the body, such as oxytocin, which reduce the risk of breast cancer. Apart from this, breastfeeding changes the menstrual cycle of women, which reduces the level of estrogen hormone. This hormone plays an important role in the development of breast cancer.
Know the benefits
- Cleansing breast cells: Breastfeeding regularly cleans breast cells, which reduces the risk of developing cancer.
- Weight control: Breastfeeding helps keep a mother’s weight under control, which helps reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Healthy lifestyle: Breastfeeding mothers often lead a healthy lifestyle, which further reduces the risk of cancer.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Breastfeeding also improves mothers’ mental health.
Dangers of not breastfeeding
Women who do not breastfeed their children may have an increased risk of breast cancer. This causes hormonal imbalance and the breast cells are not cleaned regularly, which increases the risk of developing cancer cells.
Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August. The main objective of this week is to highlight the importance of breastfeeding and make mothers aware of its benefits. World Breastfeeding Week was started in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). WABA is a global network that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Its main objective is to promote breastfeeding and support mothers to make it safe and successful.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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