Support mothers to breastfeed longer

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 23 views

The Relationship of Breastfeeding with Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Study

Introduction

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and in Indonesia, it ranks second after cervical cancer. The multifactorial nature of breast cancer makes it a complex and challenging disease to understand. However, research has shown that breastfeeding can play a significant role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. This article aims to explore the relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding in the context of breast cancer prevention.

The Importance of Breastfeeding in Breast Cancer Prevention

Breastfeeding is not only essential for the optimal nutrition of babies but also has the potential to reduce the risk of breast cancer in mothers. The biological explanation underlying this relationship is complex and multifaceted. One of the key factors is the reduction of exposure to the hormone estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and growth of breast tissue. Prolonged exposure to estrogen can increase the risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding helps to reduce estrogen levels by removing estrogen from the body, thereby reducing the risk of breast cancer.

The Role of Breastfeeding in Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer in several ways. Firstly, breastfeeding helps to remove abnormal cells in the breast, which can reduce the risk of cancer. Secondly, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by reducing the levels of estrogen in the body. Finally, breastfeeding has been shown to promote a healthier lifestyle, which can contribute to a reduction in the risk of breast cancer.

The Relationship Between Breastfeeding Time and Breast Cancer Risk

This study used a case-control research design to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding time and breast cancer risk. The study consisted of 126 respondents, 63 of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer, while 63 others did not. The results of the analysis showed a significant relationship between breastfeeding time and breast cancer risk, with a P value of less than 0.002. The Odds Ratio (OR) was obtained at 0.082 with a 95% confidence interval in the range of 0.124 to 0.640. This indicates that women who breastfeed longer have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

The Importance of Promoting Breastfeeding

The findings of this study highlight the importance of promoting breastfeeding as a way to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding promotion is essential for improving maternal health and reducing the risk of breast cancer. Supporting mothers to breastfeed longer is a proactive step that can provide long-term benefits not only for maternal health but also for children's health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has shown a significant relationship between breastfeeding time and breast cancer risk. The findings of this study highlight the importance of promoting breastfeeding as a way to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding promotion is essential for improving maternal health and reducing the risk of breast cancer. Supporting mothers to breastfeed longer is a proactive step that can provide long-term benefits not only for maternal health but also for children's health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Promote breastfeeding: Breastfeeding promotion is essential for improving maternal health and reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Support mothers to breastfeed longer: Supporting mothers to breastfeed longer is a proactive step that can provide long-term benefits not only for maternal health but also for children's health.
Conduct further research: Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk in different populations.
Develop breastfeeding-friendly policies: Developing breastfeeding-friendly policies is essential for promoting breastfeeding and reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study used a case-control research design, which may be subject to bias. Finally, the study did not control for other factors that may contribute to breast cancer risk.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk in different populations. Additionally, further research is needed to develop breastfeeding-friendly policies and to promote breastfeeding as a way to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

References

World Health Organization. (2018). Breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
National Cancer Institute. (2020). Breast cancer risk factors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-factors
American Cancer Society. (2020). Breast cancer prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/prevention.html

Appendix

The appendix includes the following:

Table 1: Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents.
Table 2: Breastfeeding history of respondents.
Table 3: Results of the analysis.
Figure 1: Flowchart of the study design.
Figure 2: Histogram of the distribution of breastfeeding time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship of Breastfeeding with Breast Cancer

Q: What is the relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer?

A: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer in several ways, including reducing exposure to the hormone estrogen, removing abnormal cells in the breast, and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Q: How does breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?

A: Breastfeeding helps to reduce the risk of breast cancer by reducing exposure to the hormone estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, breastfeeding helps to remove abnormal cells in the breast and promotes a healthier lifestyle, which can contribute to a reduction in the risk of breast cancer.

Q: What is the optimal duration of breastfeeding for reducing the risk of breast cancer?

A: The optimal duration of breastfeeding for reducing the risk of breast cancer is not well established. However, research suggests that breastfeeding for at least 12 months may be beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a family history of breast cancer?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a family history of breast cancer. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who have a strong family history of the disease.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of radiation exposure?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of radiation exposure. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who have been exposed to radiation, such as those who have had radiation therapy for other cancers.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking HRT. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking HRT, as it can help to reduce exposure to estrogen and other hormones that may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are overweight or obese?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are overweight or obese. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who are overweight or obese, as it can help to promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce exposure to estrogen and other hormones that may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of breast cancer?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of breast cancer. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who have had breast cancer, as it can help to reduce exposure to estrogen and other hormones that may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking certain medications?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking certain medications. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking medications that may increase the risk of breast cancer, such as tamoxifen and raloxifene.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of fibrocystic breast disease?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of fibrocystic breast disease. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who have fibrocystic breast disease, as it can help to reduce exposure to estrogen and other hormones that may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking certain supplements?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking certain supplements. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking supplements that may increase the risk of breast cancer, such as vitamin D and calcium.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of endometrial cancer?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of endometrial cancer. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who have had endometrial cancer, as it can help to reduce exposure to estrogen and other hormones that may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking certain herbal supplements?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking certain herbal supplements. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who are taking herbal supplements that may increase the risk of breast cancer, such as black cohosh and red clover.

Q: Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of ovarian cancer?

A: Yes, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a history of ovarian cancer. Research suggests that breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who have had ovarian cancer, as it can help to reduce exposure to estrogen and other hormones that may increase the risk of breast cancer.