A new report now reveals that breastfeeding reduces a woman’s risk of breast cancer. The research also states that for every five months a woman breastfeeds, her risk of developing breast cancer is reduced by two percent.
Researchers believe breastfeeding protects women against cancer by temporarily stopping periods that reduce their exposure to estrogen. Hormone levels have been previously linked to the development of breast cancer.
Breastfeeding, according to experts, also help remove cells with damaged DNA, which could otherwise lead to tumor development.
The research was conducted by the American Cancer Research Institute (AICR) and the Global Cancer Research Fund.
The results also revealed that carrying excess weight after menopause increases a woman’s risk of developing a tumor, however, it is protective while still having children.
Babies who are breastfed are also less likely to gain weight in later life, according to the study.
