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Some studies have shown that breast feeding may
help prevent breast cancer; however many women are unaware of this potential benefit according to the results
of a recent survey. The World Cancer Fund has called for more education on the benefits of breast feeding
after a survey showed three quarters of women in Britain are unaware that breastfeeding may help prevent
cancer. Researchers have found several benefits to breastfeeding including weight loss and bone
health. While more research is needed to definitively determine whether breast feeding prevents
breast cancer, the World Cancer Fund is concerned that many women are unaware of this potential significant benefit.
"It is a real concern that so many women are unaware of a simple way they could help protect
themselves," said Lucie Galice, General Manager of the World Cancer Fund.
In a survey conducted on behalf of the World Cancer Fund, 25% of women were aware that breast feeding may
decrease breast cancer risk. Breast feeding has also been found to decrease a child's risk of becoming
overweight or obese; however, only one third of women surveyed were aware of this benefit. The World
Cancer Fund is calling for increased awareness of the potential benefits of breast feeding.
Some experts believe that breast feeding may lead to a decreased risk of breast cancer because breast
feeding may suppress the hormone estrogen, which is needed to fuel many types of breast cancer. Some
small studies have shown that women who breast feed exclusively for the first six months reduce their
risk of breast cancer. For example, a study of over 800 women in
China found that breast-feeding for two years may reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer
by as much as 50% compared to women who breast-feed for less than six months.
The American Academy of Pediatricians and the National Association of Pediatric Nurses Associates and
Practitioners recommend breast-feeding as much as possible during the baby's first year. Breast
milk is extremely nutritious and contains carbohydrates, proteins, and fats essential for a
baby's health. Breast milk also contains antibodies that help prevent infections and
allergies. Breast-feeding has also been shown to be associated with a number of benefits
to children, including a reduction of infant ear infections, allergies, diarrhea, bacterial
meningitis, and other serious illnesses.
While some studies have linked breast feeding to decreased breast cancer risk, many experts believe that
further research is needed to understand if and how breast-feeding lowers this cancer risk. It is also
important to note that there are many risk factors for breast cancer, including advancing age, family
history, age of first menstruation, etc. are uncontrollable.
Breast-feeding is a personal decision a mother needs to make carefully, taking full into account
the benefits and burdens it will bring to both her and her baby. The American Academy of
Pediatrics and other organizations actively promote the benefits of breast-feeding. If
a mother does decide to breast-feed her children, she should understand that breast-feeding
is a major responsibility that requires her to maintain excellent nutrition and health. Most
physicians agree that caffeine intake should be kept to a minimum during breast-feeding
and that alcohol should not be consumed during this time.
To help detect breast cancer at early stages, when the chances for successful treatment and survival are
the greatest, women should follow these guidelines set by the American Cancer Society:
- All women between 20 and 39 years of age should practice monthly
breast self-exams and
have a physician performed clinical breast exam at least every three years.
- All women 40 years of age and older should have annual
screening mammograms, practice monthly
breast self-exams, and have yearly clinical breast exams. The clinical breast exam should be
conducted close to and preferably before the scheduled mammogram.
- Women with a family history of breast cancer or those who test
positive for the BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1)
or BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2) mutations
may want to talk to their physicians about beginning annual screening mammograms earlier
than age 40, as early as age 25 in some cases.
Additional Resources and References
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