As a brand exclusively present to help a new mother in every possible way, our blogs spend a lot of time talking about pregnancy and breasts. In honor of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thus wanted to give you some quick facts about breast cancer, pregnancy, and breastfeeding that you might not know.

  1. Bras Do Not Affect Breast Cancer Risk

 It is a myth that sleeping with your bra at night causes breast cancer. Studies have also shown no evidence of cancer risk that is affected by the type of bra you wear. Thus, you can continue wearing any kind of bra you like—whatever that makes you feel comfortable and most like yourself.

 

  1. Breastfeeding Can Lower The Risk of Breast Cancer

Studies have shown that pregnancy and delivery may reduce the risk of breast cancer, but research suggests breastfeeding may reduce the risk as well. This may be linked to a reduction in exposure to ovarian hormones while pregnant and nursing due to fewer menstrual cycles. Additionally, pregnancy and nursing change breast cells. Since these cells have already been differentiated to produce milk, some researchers speculate they might be less likely to transform into cancer cells. Another possibility is also the fact that the breast tissue you shed during lactation, particularly when you finish lactating, may result in the elimination of potentially damaged cells. While breast cancer isn’t preventable, if you know the risk factors, you can make positive changes and get the recommended screenings. Early detection can really make a difference.

 

  1. Breast Cancer Can Be Treated During Pregnancy

While it doesn’t happen frequently, some women have discovered they had breast cancer while they were pregnant. Fortunately, a biopsy or surgery may be possible with no danger to the baby. Depending on the type of cancer and the recommended level of treatment, chemotherapy is also possible sometimes.

 

  1. It is Safe To Screen for Breast Cancer While Nursing

The instances of breast cancer developing while a woman is breastfeeding are low, but some women do find lumps during this period. While this is an unnerving discovery, it’s important for nursing moms to know that mammograms and biopsies are safe and will have no effect on their breast milk.

 

  1. Most Breast Cancers are not Hereditary

Most incidents of breast cancer develop because of environmental or lifestyle factors alone, with no connection to a family history of cancer. This means you have more control over your personal risk factors by getting more active, eating healthier foods, and avoiding “risky” behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.).