Breastfeeding x Breast Cancer
Much is said about knowledge and information, but what few women know is that breastfeeding can be one of the ways to prevent the diagnosis. Data from the Ministry of Health show that the risk of contracting the disease decreases by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding. During the breastfeeding period, the levels of certain hormones that favor the development of this type of cancer drop.
Furthermore, some processes that occur during breastfeeding promote the elimination and renewal of cells that could have damage to the genetic material, thus reducing the chances of breast cancer. Many doubts arise regarding this topic, mainly related to exams and diagnoses during the breastfeeding phase and about the feasibility of breastfeeding after diagnosis and treatment.
Next, some doubts will be clarified. Check it out:
"Can a woman develop breast cancer while breastfeeding or shortly after breastfeeding?
Yes, a woman can develop breast cancer even while breastfeeding or after breastfeeding. It is important that during this phase, women do not confuse a blocked milk duct with a tumor. If you feel a hardened nodule, see your doctor and talk to him.
“Can a woman who has already had breast cancer breastfeed?”
This response must be analyzed according to each case. Because, for example, if a woman had to have her breast gland removed, even if she wears a prosthesis, she will not have the cells that produce milk and, therefore, will not be able to breastfeed. The diagnosis of breast cancer is not a prohibition for future breastfeeding, but each case must be evaluated by the doctor.
“Can changes in the smell and color of breast milk mean an illness?”
Sometimes yes. However, at the beginning of breastfeeding, it is common for milk to be a little brownish or coppery in color, and this is normal. The best thing to do is to report any changes to your doctor so that he can assess whether it is a pathological change or not.
“Is it possible to have a mammogram if I am breastfeeding?”
Yes, you can take the exam if you are breastfeeding and have this indication. However, it may be more difficult to diagnose or require additional tests. Therefore, check with your doctor whether the exam should be done at this time, especially if you intend to wean soon.
“How can I stimulate my milk production if I already have breast cancer?”
The idea is to think about stimulating the preserved breast with greater intensity. You can think about offering it to the baby more frequently after birth and, from the beginning, increase the intensity of the stimulus, expressing manually or with an electric pump after each feeding.
“Is it risky to breastfeed after breast cancer?”
Studies have already proven that breastfeeding after the disease has remitted does not increase the risk of recurrence.
Written by Dr. José Roberto Lutti Filho
Specialist in Pediatrics and Neonatology
CRM: (108147-SP)
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