Breastfeeding can protect against some types of cancers

THE exclusivity, frequency and duration of breastfeeding all affect the processes that support the mother’s breast health while boosting the infant’s nutrition and immunity. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding after that period, optimise benefits for the breastfeeding pair. However, breastfeeding rates among urban Malaysian mothers are below World Health Organi­sa­tion targets (Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 2024).

Numerous studies support the fact that exclusive breastfeeding should be promoted for its natural cancer prevention in the mother and child. For maternal breast cancers, this may be even more important, especially if there’s a family history of cancer.