Protective immune cells in breastfeeding women identified as guard against breast cancer, new research finds
The research findings suggest that breastfeeding provides long-lasting immune protection against breast cancer, particularly for aggressive types like triple-negative breast cancer. Patients with higher levels of certain immune cells, called innate lymphoid cells, had better outcomes. This sheds light on the historical observation that nuns, who do not breastfeed, had higher rates of breast cancer compared to women who had children and breastfed. The study indicates that the immune benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the breastfeeding period, offering a potential explanation for the protective effect of childbearing and breastfeeding against breast cancer. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms behind the link between breastfeeding and reduced breast cancer risk.
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