Are you seeing pink? This month many organizations and individuals are wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness. Turn on the TV on Sunday and you will find big, burly linebackers wearing pink in support of this cause. The NFL is just one of the many organizations that actively participate in breast cancer awareness activities. Did you know that October is also SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month? Can you guess an activity that lowers both the risk for breast cancer and SIDS?
That’s right…BREASTFEEDING! Studies show that the longer a woman breastfeeds in her lifetime, the lower risk she has for getting breast cancer. Why? Some theories include: (1) hormonal changes (estrogen, prolactin and oxytocin) which play a role in inhibiting the growth of mutated cells; (2) lower number of menstrual cycles which reduces exposure to estrogen and (3) drainage of the breast tissue which is thought to aide in the removal of carcinogens from the fatty tissue.
How does breastfeeding reduce the risk of SIDS?
- Breastfeeding provides immunity against infection (especially respiratory and gastrointestinal infections which are associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
- Breast milk is packed with nutrients which contribute to protection against SIDS. DHA, an essential fatty acid, helps promote brain development and reduces the risk of SIDS.
- Breastfed infants have been shown to be more arousable during active sleep.
- Studies show that breastfeeding moms tend to be more educated and avoid behaviors that could jeopardize their infant’s health (i.e. smoking, alcohol, etc).
- Breastfeeding moms have been shown to be more in tune with their infants and arouse more easily at night.
There are other activities that help to reduce the risk of breast cancer and SIDS. For breast cancer, this includes:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is linked to an increase risk of breast cancer due to the production of estrogen by adipose (fat) tissue.
- Limit alcohol intake. The American Cancer Society recommends no more than 1 alcoholic beverage a day.
- Exercise. The American Cancer Society recommends 45-60 minutes of physical activity 5 or more days a week.
- Birth control pills slightly increase your risk for breast cancer so be sure to discuss this risk with your physician.
- Having a baby, especially before the age of 30, can be a factor in reducing your risk for breast cancer. This is thought to be related to the fact that pregnancy reduces the number of menstrual cycles in a woman’s life thus reducing exposure to estrogen.
- Avoid exposure to hormone –disrupting chemicals which mimic estrogen (i.e BPA, parabens, phthalates, flame retardants, etc.).
- Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals and is classified as a known human carcinogen (causes cancer) and should be avoided.
Be sure to perform your monthly breast exam and report any abnormal findings to your healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society also recommends a breast exam by your healthcare provider at least every 3 years for women younger than 40 years of age. Yearly mammograms are suggested for women 40 and older. Remember, early detection is key!
How can you reduce your child’s risk for SIDS? (Refer to our article Sudden Infant Death Syndrome for an in-depth discussion on SIDS)
- Always place your baby on his/her back to sleep.
- Use a firm crib mattress.
- Bedding should fit the mattress snugly.
- Avoid pillows, blankets, bumpers, sleep positioners, toys, and other objects in baby’s bed.
- Never place baby to sleep on soft surfaces (i.e. couch, chair, bed, etc)
- Avoid overheating your baby during sleep.
- Offer a clean, dry pacifier at bedtime and nap time.
- Keep your baby’s bassinet/crib in your room until approximately 6 months of age.
- Do not sleep with your baby in your bed.
- Use a fan in your baby’s room.
- Avoid exposure to second-hand or third-hand smoke (smoke lingering on clothes, furniture, car seat, etc).
- Avoid exposure to respiratory illnesses.
This October take the time to learn about SIDS and breast cancer and learn how to protect you and your baby.
Sources:
American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer.
American Cancer Society. Secondhand Smoke
Horne RS, Parslow PM, Harding R. (2004). Respiratory Control and Arousal in Sleeping Infants. Paediatr Respir Rev. Sep;5(3):190-8.
Horne, RS, et al (2004 ). Comparison of Evoked Arousability in Breast and Formula Fed Infants. Arch Dis Child. Jan;89(1):22-5.
Laufey, T., et. al. Breastfeeding and Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer in an Icelandic Cohort Study. Am. J. Epidemiol.(2001) 154: 37-42.
National Cancer Institute. Understanding Cancer Series: Estrogen Receptors/SERMs
Pan American Health Organization. Effect of Breastfeeding on Maternal Health
United Kingdom National Case-Control Study Group. Breast Feeding and Risk of Breast Cancer in Young Women. BMJ. 1993 July 3; 307(6895): 17–20.
Author : Diba Tillery RN, BSN, IBCLC, CPST
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice write up usually I never reply to these thing but this time I will,Thanks for the great info.
Breast Cancer The traditional treatment methods of breast cancer painted a grim picture. This is good news indeed for breast cancer patients they may no longer need to undergo the psychological trauma of having to live with having one or both of the breasts removed.