The greatest health benefit of having a baby is a decrease in the risk of several types of cancer. During pregnancy, breast cells undergo tremendous changes, causing them to become fully matured and prepared for breastfeeding the baby after the birth1. Hormonal changes in both pregnant and lactating (breast-fed) woman are thought to help prevent breast cancer. Estrogen levels drop at some point during pregnancy and breastfeeding as the monthly menses impede and shift the hormone balance toward progesterone.
Estrogen and progesterone, closely interrelated hormones, work in synergy in female body. Estrogen however promotes the proliferation of cells in the breast and uterus. Proliferation of normal cells with exposure to estrogen creates a vulnerability to spontaneous mutations, some of which might represent the first step of cancer pathway. It is thought that the less estrogen is available to stimulate the lining of the uterus and breast tissue, the less are the risks of these tissues becoming cancerous2.
The frequency of ovulation has been associated with ovarian cancer risk. Some experts believe that women who ovulate less often have a decreased risk of ovarian cancer. Women who are breastfeeding ovulate do not ovulate as often as never breastfeeding women. Thus breastfeeding is a potentially modifiable protective risk factor for breast, uterine and ovarian cancers3-5.
Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of major decisions expectant parents will make and the decision can be a very personal one. Women who chose to breastfeed her child have to be mentally prepared as it can be time-consuming and physically challenging for both sides. Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby and the benefits are incalculable. It can impact the present and future health of you and your baby in the long run.
References:1. Riordan J AK. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. 2nd edition ed: Jones and Bartlett.
2. (Accessed 24 May, 2012, at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/estrogenreceptors/page1.)
3. Lipworth L, Bailey LR, Trichopoulos D. History of breast-feeding in relation to breast cancer risk: a review of the epidemiologic literature. J Natl Cancer Inst 2000;92:302-12.
4. Danforth K, Tworoger S, Hecht J, Rosner B, Colditz G, Hankinson S. Breastfeeding and risk of ovarian cancer in two prospective cohorts. Cancer Causes and Control 2007;18:517-23.
5. Cramer DW. The epidemiology of endometrial and ovarian cancer. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2012;26:1-12.
by Nurul Hanis Ramzi, Research Scientist
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