How does breastfeeding impact the risk of certain cancers in mothers?

Breastfeeding has been shown to have a protective effect against pre-menopausal breast cancer in mothers. This phenomenon is attributed to several biological mechanisms. During breastfeeding, hormonal levels are altered, which can lead to a reduction in the lifetime exposure of breast tissue to estrogen, a hormone that is known to contribute to the development of breast cancer. Moreover, breastfeeding can help in the differentiation of breast cells, which further reduces the risk of malignancy.

Research indicates that women who breastfeed may also have a lower risk of developing other types of cancer, but the connection is especially well-documented regarding pre-menopausal breast cancer. This protective effect underscores the importance of promoting breastfeeding as part of maternal health strategies.

The other options do not reflect the established relationship between breastfeeding and cancer risk, emphasizing why the selected choice accurately captures the benefits of breastfeeding in this context.