[Medical Q&A] Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Kong Xiangyi, deputy chief physician, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Breastfeeding is a natural way to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Many new mothers may feed their babies with formula milk because they find breastfeeding troublesome or worry that they don't have enough milk. However, from a scientific point of view, breastfeeding is not only good for babies, but also important for mothers.

Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Compared with women who do not breastfeed, women who breastfeed can reduce the risk of breast cancer by about 4.3%. This means that breastfeeding is a natural way to prevent breast cancer. Therefore, if conditions permit, mothers are encouraged to choose breastfeeding as much as possible. This is not only for the healthy growth of the baby, but also for the long-term health of the mothers themselves. Breastfeeding, as a protective factor, is one of the effective means to prevent breast cancer.