Breastfeeding cuts mums risk of breast cancer

London, September 29: Adding more to the already touted benefits of breastfeeding, new mums who breastfeed their babies, put together - at least for a year over the course of their lifespan, are 5 percent less likely to develop breast cancerdefine, an expert claims.

Moreover, the more months of breastfeeding a woman clocks, the lower are her chances of developing the disease, Dr. Rachel Thompson, science program manager for the World Cancerdefine Research Fund (WCRF), highlights.

"Whether breastfeeding two babies for six months each or one baby for a year, women can cut their risk of developing the disease significantly" Thompson averred.

Although the protective effects of breastfeeding have been well documented, unfortunately, only one in four mothers carries on until her child is six months.

Breastfeeding lowers the levels of some cancer-related hormonesdefine in the mother's blood. More importantly, at the end of breastfeeding, the body divests the damaged breast cells that could turn cancerous, thus cutting the risk of developing the disease.

"We want to get across the message that breastfeeding is something positive that women can do to reduce their risk of breast cancer."

Urging mothers to breastfeed for as long as they could, Thompson said, "We recommend that women should breastfeed exclusively for six months and then continue with complementary feeding after that."

It is strongly believed that by deciding to breastfeed, the mother will be giving the child the best possible start in life. Other benefits, besides the aforesaid include:

Benefits for child
• Breast milk is rich is antibodies that help to protect the baby from infection and stimulate the baby’s immune systemdefine, thus guarding against asthma, chest infections and stomach problems.
• Breast milk contains all the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins in the correct proportion.
• Breast fed babies are less likely to be overweight in adulthood. Adult obesity raises the risk of a variety of cancers and other problems like, high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes.
• Breast fed babies have a better mental development and a higher IQ.

Benefits for mother
• Breastfeeding reduces mothers’ risk of ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
• Breastfeeding helps get back to pre-pregnancy weight and shape more easily. The process hastens the shrinking of the womb to its normal size.
• Though not foolproof, breast feeding has a contraceptive significance and it helps in spacing childbirth.