World Breastfeeding Week (1st-7th August 2025) is finally here, and the theme for this year, "Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems", is a plea to all of us to do our best in supporting mothers. While there is much discussion about baby nutrition, one aspect is rarely talked about: the long-term health of the mother.
As an oncologist who specialises in the treatment of breast cancer and other breast issues like lumps, fibroadenomas, mastitis, and more, patients are frequently asking if breastfeeding does anything to their likelihood of developing breast problems later in life. And the response is a resounding yes, breastfeeding has more to do with breast health than most people even understand.
In this blog, we will guide you through the research findings, highlight key considerations for Indian women, and outline how families, communities, and workplaces can establish effective support systems that are effective.
Breastfeeding Can Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer
Numerous research studies from across the globe, and from India too, have established that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in women. The greater the number of months of breastfeeding throughout the life of a woman, the more protection.
In short:
- For every 12 months of breastfeeding (added up across all children), there is a 4–5% reduction in the risk of breast cancer.
- Breastfeeding for two years or longer makes women 25–30% less likely to get breast cancer than those who never breastfed.
- The protection is strongest for pre-menopausal women, but some post-menopausal benefits exist, too.
How does it work? While breastfeeding:
The ovulation cycle pauses, which decreases lifetime exposure to oestrogen, which is a hormone associated with some types of breast cancers. The breast tissue develops and changes in a manner that can eliminate damaged or abnormal cells. Breast milk also has some natural substances that are thought to have protective or anti-tumour properties and helps in Breast Cancer Treatment In India in terms of giving women a fairy protective shield.
These are not assumptions; they are scientific observations. Indian medical organizations are also promoting extended breastfeeding, not only for infants' immunity but for the health of the mother as well.
Breastfeeding Doesn't Guarantee You Won't Get Cancer
It's crucial to keep in mind that while breastfeeding reduces the risk, it is not a risk eliminator. Breast cancer does occur in women who have breastfed and sometimes even when they continue to nurse.
For instance:
Women who carry inherited mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 can develop high-risk breast cancer even after breastfeeding. Women with triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form, might or might not have as much protection against breast cancer from breastfeeding.
In India, due to late diagnosis, many sign of breast cancer are ignored and cancer in already in advanced stages by the time women seek treatment. So, even if you’re breastfeeding or have in the past, please don’t skip breast screening or ignore symptoms.
Lumps During Breastfeeding: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Many women come to Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, the Best Doctor For Breast Cancer In Delhi, worried about lumps they’ve discovered while breastfeeding. While most of these are benign (non-cancerous), some require close monitoring.
Some of the common causes are:
- Blocked milk ducts: They tend to feel like tiny, sore lumps and most commonly go away with warm compresses and correct feeding methods.
- Mastitis: This is inflammation of the breast tissue that results in pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes fever.
- Galactoceles: Cysts filled with milk that may develop as a result of duct obstruction.
- Fibroadenomas: Very common in young women and occasionally may grow during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
But if you get:
A lump that does not get any smaller after a few weeks
Skin dimpling or nipple changes
Bloody or unusual discharge
Pain that persists in one spot
…..then it's worth having it investigated, as it could be a breast cancer lump. Even while breastfeeding, a breast ultrasound is safe and may help to exclude anything serious.
Breastfeeding Challenges in India
Breastfeeding is natural, but it may not always be easy, particularly in modern, fast-paced urban life. The following are some of the everyday challenges Indian women encounter:
1. Lack of workplace support
Even with maternity leave provisions, women often go back to work where they cannot express milk, refrigerate it properly, or have sufficient breaks. A supportive office environment, be it government or corporate, can help significantly in enabling a mother to continue breastfeeding.
2. Family myths and misinformation
In many households, mothers-in-law or elders may unknowingly pass on outdated advice like:
"Your milk is too watery."
"If the baby is crying, your milk isn't sufficient."
"You are too weak to lactate, give formula."
Actually, most Indian women do lactate sufficiently with an appropriate diet and rest.
3. Poor postnatal care
Hospital support stops once the mother is discharged. But the actual challenges start at home. Mothers require frequent follow-ups with lactation consultants, nutritionists, and if necessary, a breast specialist in case of any complications.
What the 2025 Breastfeeding Week Theme Means for You
This year's theme is "Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems," and isn't merely a call to promote breastfeeding. It's a call to acknowledge that optimal breastfeeding relies on everyone else around the mother, not her alone.
Here’s what that might look like in India:
Hospitals providing access to certified lactation consultants before discharge. Husbands and families comprehending their role, not only to "allow" breastfeeding but to actively encourage it.
Employers making feeding or pumping areas without embarrassment or red tape. Doctors (including oncologists like myself) promote Breast Cancer Awareness regarding the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding, not only for babies, but for mothers as well.
Can Diet and Lifestyle Help Alongside Breastfeeding?
Yes. Although breastfeeding is protective, it functions optimally as a component of a healthy lifestyle.
Tell new mothers to:
|
Eat traditional, nutrition-rich foods: gond laddoos, panjiri, methi seeds, and ajwain water. All these are useful if prepared hygienically and in moderation. |
|
Avoid excess sugar or ghee; moderation is key. |
|
Get light exercise once medically cleared. |
|
Keep alcohol intake to zero or minimal. |
|
Sleep well (as much as the baby allows!) and manage stress. |
These changes also serve to lower the risk of other hormone-sensitive cancers and keep you in general good health.
When to See a Breast Specialist or Oncologist
Whether you're breastfeeding or not, see a breast specialist or oncologist if you notice:
- A new or persistent lump
- Changes in the nipple or areola
- Skin thickening or dimpling
- Unusual discharge
- Pain that's one-sided and unexplained
Keep in mind that breast cancer in younger women is usually more intense, so don't wait because you feel you're "too young" to get cancer.
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for your baby, but it's a great tool for your health as well. But if you are going to make it work, mothers must receive concrete support: medical, emotional, social, and economic.
Since I am a specialist in breast cancer, I urge women throughout India to:
- Begin breastfeeding early
- Make regular breast check-ups a priority
- Get comfortable with talking openly about your body
- Continue for as long as is comfortable (ideally 6–12 months at least)
- Speak up if something doesn't feel right
Whether you're based in a metro city or a small town, your health is worth paying attention to, not only after issues arise, but as part of daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Research indicates that breastfeeding can lower the risk of breast cancer by 4–5% with each 12-month feeding throughout all pregnancies.
One protective factor is breastfeeding. If you weren't able to breastfeed, you can lower your risk nonetheless through frequent exercise, eating healthily, not drinking alcohol, and regular screening.
No. Although most are harmless, any breast lump that persists for a few weeks needs to be examined by a doctor, particularly if there is accompanying skin change or nipple discharge.
Yes. Ultrasound can be safely used and commonly done to assess lumps and determine the causes of breast cancer in the breast during lactation. Mammograms can be performed if necessary, with precautions.
