Breastfeeding may help women who experienced cancer treatments as child

New research discovered that breastfeeding could potentially deter long-term health effects from childhood cancer treatments.

Researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital explain that women who underwent cancer treatment of some kind as a child may benefit from breastfeeding as an adult. The research found that women who breastfeed, if previously having cancer treatments, may be able to offset some of the long-term side effects caused by the cancer treatments as a child.

While a staggering 80 percent of children who receive cancer treatment are survivors now, many experience long-term negative health effects caused by these treatments. Ailments include difficulties reproducing and the potential for recurrence.

Researchers found that breastfeeding could potentially decrease risks for additional cancers, metabolic syndrome, and increased bone mineral density.

The suggestions remain the same almost across the board — eat fruits and vegetables, exercise, and avoid tobacco use. This would help women live healthy and also promote healthy breastfeeding practices.

The study can be found online in Springer’s Journal of Cancer Survivorship.