How Breastfeeding Can Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer
Originally Published:
December 16, 2020
Updated:
March 26, 2025
Read Time:
4 min
Author:
How Breastfeeding Can Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer: A Natural Way to Lower Your Risk

Did you know that breastfeeding can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer? If you have a family history of breast cancer or want to take proactive steps toward better health, breastfeeding may offer an extra layer of protection. Here's how it works and why this natural process benefits both you and your baby.

How Breastfeeding Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

Breastfeeding changes your hormone levels. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women experience a break from their menstrual cycle. This hormonal shift means less exposure to estrogen, which has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the more protective the effect.

The benefit is even stronger if you breastfeed for 12 months or longer. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, breastfeeding for a year or more can significantly reduce your lifetime risk of breast cancer.

In addition, breastfeeding mothers often adopt healthier lifestyles—limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and focusing on better nutrition—all of which also help reduce cancer risk.

A mother breastfeeding her infant in a cozy, sunlit room, symbolizing the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.
Breastfeeding not only nurtures your baby—it may also help lower your long-term risk of breast cancer.

Additional Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding isn’t just good for your health—it’s great for your baby, too. The CDC recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months and continuing while introducing solid foods until at least one year old.

Benefits for babies include reduced risk of:

  • Obesity
  • Asthma
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Ear and respiratory infections
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  • Gastrointestinal infections

For mothers, breastfeeding offers protection beyond breast cancer. It can lower your risk of:

  • Ovarian cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes

What If You’ve Already Had Breast Cancer?

Breastfeeding after breast cancer depends on the type of treatment you’ve received. Women who’ve had a double mastectomy cannot breastfeed. However, if only one breast was affected, you may still be able to nurse with the other.

If you underwent radiation or chemotherapy, talk with your doctor to determine whether breastfeeding is safe and possible. Formula feeding or donor milk may be considered in some cases.

Can’t Breastfeed? Other Ways to Lower Breast Cancer Risk

If breastfeeding isn’t an option, there are still steps you can take to reduce your breast cancer risk:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid smoking
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Stay on top of screenings and mammograms, especially if you have a family history

Partner with BASS Medical Group for Breast Health

Whether you're breastfeeding, planning a pregnancy, or simply want to take preventive steps, BASS Medical Group is here to help. Our experienced providers offer:

Take control of your breast health today. Schedule your appointment with BASS Medical Group in Walnut Creek or any of our Greater Bay Area locations.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. BASS Medical Group does not endorse any specific tests, treatments, procedures, or opinions referenced in this content. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or before making changes to your health regimen.