Breastfeeding lowers breast cancer risk
Breastfeeding lowers the risks of getting hormone-receptor-negative (HRN) breast cancer by 20%, a large international study shows.
Hormone-receptor-negative (HRN) breast cancers are more likely to be aggressive and life-threatening. This subtype is more commonly diagnosed in women under age 50. This subtype of breast cancer has no receptors for the hormones estrogen or progesterone; about two-thirds of these HRN cancers also have no receptors for HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). Breast cancers with no receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 are called triple negative (TN).
HRN and TN breast cancer are more often deadly because they tend to be diagnosed at later stages, respond to fewer treatment options, and are less likely to be cured by current therapies.
“Further evidence to support the long-term protection of breastfeeding against the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer is very encouraging and actionable,” says Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder, Breastcancer.org, and director of breast health outreach, Lankenau Medical Center. “Breastfeeding is a relatively accessible, low-cost, short-term strategy that yields long-lasting natural protection.”
Published in Annals of Oncology, this breastfeeding meta-analysis is a collaboration between Breastcancer.org; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Washington University, St. Louis; and the American Cancer Society.
Category: Features, Wellness and Complementary Therapies
