Written by: MANTASHA
There isn't one definitive answer, but here are some of the leading theories on how breastfeeding may lower the risk of breast cancer:
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During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman's ovaries produce less estrogen. Estrogen can promote the growth of some breast cancers. By reducing overall estrogen exposure, breastfeeding may decrease breast cancer risk.
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During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breast undergoes changes. Cells in the breast tissue are shed and replaced by new ones. This shedding process may help eliminate cells with potential DNA damage, lowering the risk of cancer development.
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Breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation. This delay may further reduce a woman's lifetime exposure to hormones like estrogen that can influence breast cancer risk.
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Breastfeeding may strengthen a woman's immune system, making it better equipped to fight off abnormal cells that could potentially turn cancerous.
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The duration of breastfeeding seems to play a role. Longer breastfeeding periods are generally associated with a greater reduction in breast cancer risk.
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