Abstract:
Breastfeeding is a highly accessible and low-cost public health measure. Several studies have shown the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and the mother. Aspects such as strengthening the mother-child bond, adequate nutrition, and immunological protection were widely evaluated, and there is no doubt that breastfeeding is highly positive in all these parameters. On the other hand, knowledge of the impact on disease reduction, especially cancer reduction, is still partially understood. There is strong evidence of cancer decrease in women who breastfed their children, which has been reported as one of the protective aspects of breastfeeding. For breast cancer, the most incidence cancer in women worldwide, there are reports of the protective effect of breastfeeding due to the differentiation of mammary cells, reduction in the number of ovulatory cycles, and excretion of estrogens and carcinogens by human milk. Colostrum and human milk have antimicrobial components, which reduce diseases in infants, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. But the health benefits do not end with weaning; there is evidence that human milk can confer long-term benefits such as reduced risk of certain autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and certain malignancies. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death in children worldwide, and leukemia is one of the most common cancers. It also suggests possible effects in reducing cases of different types of cancer in children, including leukemia, who were breastfed as recommended. A discussion focused on this theme is proposed to search the understood aspects and stimulate new research for those who are still partially understood.
Audience Take Away Notes:
Elucidation of aspects of the relationship between breastfeeding and cancer
Contribution to public health campaigns and promotion of breastfeeding
Encouraging new research and improving information for teaching in the health area
