News | New Research Challenges Misconceptions About Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer
Two international studies presented at the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress found no higher risk of cancer recurrence or new breast cancer among women who breastfed after breast cancer treatment, including women with BRCA mutations. The research provides the first safety data on breastfeeding for breast cancer survivors with BRCA mutations and challenges a longstanding misconception that survivors cannot breastfeed safely.
BRCA mutations are inherited genetic variants that substantially increase the risk of breast cancer and other cancers. Because breast cancer can be hormone-driven, there had been concern that pregnancy and breastfeeding could increase recurrence risk, especially among women with BRCA mutations. The study found no increase in recurrence or new cancer.
Dr. Eva Blondeaux, an oncologist at IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino in Genoa, Italy, said: "This study provides the first evidence that breastfeeding after breast cancer treatment is safe for young women with BRCA mutations. It means they can balance their own needs with those of their babies."
In the international study, researchers followed nearly 5,000 breast cancer survivors with BRCA mutations and found no significant difference in recurrence or new breast cancer between women who breastfed and those who did not. Breastfeeding also did not affect disease-free or overall survival.
Another study of patients with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer reached similar conclusions and found no added risk from breastfeeding. Dr. Fedro Alessandro Peccatori, director of the Fertility and Procreation Unit at the European Institute of Oncology (IRCCS) in Milan, said: "These results are especially important for women who hope to become pregnant and breastfeed after breast cancer treatment." He added: "We should reconsider how we view breast cancer survivors. They should have the same rights and possibilities as other women."
The research suggests that breastfeeding is both possible and safe for breast cancer survivors who wish to become pregnant and breastfeed. These findings may help doctors provide more individualized guidance.
News | New Research Challenges Misconceptions About Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer
News | New Research Challenges Misconceptions About Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer
Two international studies presented at the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress found no higher risk of cancer recurrence or new breast cancer among women who breastfed after breast cancer treatment, including women with BRCA mutations. The research provides the first safety data on breastfeeding for breast cancer survivors with BRCA mutations and challenges a longstanding misconception that survivors cannot breastfeed safely.
BRCA mutations are inherited genetic variants that substantially increase the risk of breast cancer and other cancers. Because breast cancer can be hormone-driven, there had been concern that pregnancy and breastfeeding could increase recurrence risk, especially among women with BRCA mutations. The study found no increase in recurrence or new cancer.
Dr. Eva Blondeaux, an oncologist at IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino in Genoa, Italy, said: "This study provides the first evidence that breastfeeding after breast cancer treatment is safe for young women with BRCA mutations. It means they can balance their own needs with those of their babies."
In the international study, researchers followed nearly 5,000 breast cancer survivors with BRCA mutations and found no significant difference in recurrence or new breast cancer between women who breastfed and those who did not. Breastfeeding also did not affect disease-free or overall survival.
Another study of patients with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer reached similar conclusions and found no added risk from breastfeeding. Dr. Fedro Alessandro Peccatori, director of the Fertility and Procreation Unit at the European Institute of Oncology (IRCCS) in Milan, said: "These results are especially important for women who hope to become pregnant and breastfeed after breast cancer treatment." He added: "We should reconsider how we view breast cancer survivors. They should have the same rights and possibilities as other women."
The research suggests that breastfeeding is both possible and safe for breast cancer survivors who wish to become pregnant and breastfeed. These findings may help doctors provide more individualized guidance.
Story source:
Collected online