Breastfeeding Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk, Experts Say

Strategic Insights -

Breastfeeding not only provides newborns with essential nutrition, but it also may offer a significant benefit to the mother's health, reducing the risk of breast cancer by an estimated 26% for those who breastfeed for 12 months or longer. According to experts, this finding is supported by research and highlights the importance of early detection and prevention in the fight against breast cancer. The disease affects 30 out of every 100,000 females, and awareness of early diagnosis and treatment has led to more successful outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Experts highlighted a link between breastfeeding and reduced breast cancer risk, with a 26% reduction in lifetime risk for mothers who breastfeed for 12 months or longer.
  • The head of KGMU's Department of Surgical Oncology, Prof. Vijay Kumar, shared research supporting this finding, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
  • Dr. Naseem Akhtar, a senior oncologist at KGMU, advised women over 40 years to consider scheduling annual mammograms for early detection.
  • Dr. Sameer Gupta, from the oncology department, noted that today's technology has made cancer treatment more effective and less invasive, with early-stage cancer often being manageable with targeted therapies.
  • A breast cancer survivor shared her personal experience with early symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection.
  • Dr. Gaurav Gupta, former head of Medical Oncology at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, highlighted the rising incidence of breast cancer among younger women, with cases increasing by about 1% annually.

Statistics:

  • 26% reduction in lifetime breast cancer risk for mothers who breastfeed for 12 months or longer (Source: KGMU experts)
  • 30 out of every 100,000 females are affected by breast cancer (Source: disclosed in the article)
  • 1% annual increase in breast cancer cases among younger women (Source: Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences)

Sources:

  • Prof. Vijay Kumar, head of KGMU's Department of Surgical Oncology
  • Dr. Naseem Akhtar, senior oncologist at KGMU
  • Dr. Sameer Gupta, oncology department
  • Dr. Gaurav Gupta, former head of Medical Oncology at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences
  • KGMU breast cancer awareness programme (article does not provide a specific date or publication date)