Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Tips For New Moms To Stay A Step Ahead Of Breast Cancer, According To Doctor

As a new mom a lot of things run through in the head. Not just child's health, but also your health too. As it is a very new experience. One of the newest experience could be <span>breast feeding</span>, and the thought of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">breast cancer</a></span> and many such questions may occur. 

<h2>Is There Any Link Between Pregnancy And Breast Cancer?</h2>

As per the National Institutes of Health, US, the risk of breast cancer, is in fact reduced by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding. This is in addition to 7.0% decrease in risk observed for each birth. However, notes a 2011 study published in the Journal of Turkish-German Gynecological Association, breast cancer risk is higher within the 3 to 15 years of term delivery. This increased risk is specific for women whose first delivery occurred after 30 years of age. 

The study notes that women who delivered their fist baby at ages younger than 25, did not have any breast cancer risk, or had a very small increase. However, a transient increase was seen within 10 to 15 years of delivery and after that a protective effect of delivery is seen.

Among women who delivered their first baby before 25 years of age, the life time breast cancer risk actually decreased 36% after the period of transient increase. 

However, new mothers who are at risk may find it difficult to distinguish between normal lactation-related issues and potential warning signs of breast cancer, including discharge from breast, and more. 

To understand this better, we spoke to Dr Prachi Sarin Sethi, Gyencologist &amp; Laparoscopic surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurugram. Here's what she told us:

"All new moms need to be aware that changes in the breast during lactation are common, but awareness is key," she pointed out. 

<h2>Blocked Ducts And Mastitis Vs Suspicious Lumps: How to Differentiate?</h2>

"Many breastfeeding mothers experience blocked ducts, which can cause small, tender lumps in the breast," said Dr Sethi. To understand the symptoms, it is important to understand first what they mean. 

Mastitis means an infection of the breast tissue that could lead to redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and even fever. "These conditions are temporary and resolve with rest, warm compresses, and proper breastfeeding techniques," she points out. 

However, it is important to know that not all lumps are related to breastfeeding. Suspicious lumps can be hard, irregular in shape, painless, or persist beyond a week. This is when the woman must go to a doctor, she points out. 

"Changes in the nipple, skin dimpling, or unusual discharge will also indicate that a woman needs medical attention."

The doctor notes that routine breast checks after the delivery must be done as it allows one's doctor to examine the breast tissue and guide the patient on proper self-examination techniques. This could also allow early identification of abnormalities, and improve the treatment outcomes. 

"New moms should be encouraged to perform regular self-checks, observe changes in shape, texture, or skin appearance, and lumps. Keeping a record of any persistent changes or discomfort is helpful during consultations."

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according to doctor

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As a new mom a lot of things run through in the head. Not just child's health, but also your health too. As it is a very new experience. One of the newest experience could be breast feeding, and the thought of breast cancer and many such questions may occur. Is There Any Link Between Pregnancy And Breast Cancer?As per the National Institutes of Health, US, the risk of breast cancer, is in fact reduced by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding. This is in addition to 7.0% decrease in risk observed for each birth. However, notes a 2011 study published in the Journal of Turkish-German Gynecological Association, breast cancer risk is higher within the 3 to 15 years of term delivery. This increased risk is specific for women whose first delivery occurred after 30 years of age. The study notes that women who delivered their fist baby at ages younger than 25, did not have any breast cancer risk, or had a very small increase. However, a transient increase was seen within 10 to 15 years of delivery and after that a protective effect of delivery is seen.Among women who delivered their first baby before 25 years of age, the life time breast cancer risk actually decreased 36% after the period of transient increase. However, new mothers who are at risk may find it difficult to distinguish between normal lactation-related issues and potential warning signs of breast cancer, including discharge from breast, and more. To understand this better, we spoke to Dr Prachi Sarin Sethi, Gyencologist & Laparoscopic surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurugram. Here's what she told us:"All new moms need to be aware that changes in the breast during lactation are common, but awareness is key," she pointed out. Blocked Ducts And Mastitis Vs Suspicious Lumps: How to Differentiate?"Many breastfeeding mothers experience blocked ducts, which can cause small, tender lumps in the breast," said Dr Sethi. To understand the symptoms, it is important to understand first what they mean. Mastitis means an infection of the breast tissue that could lead to redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and even fever. "These conditions are temporary and resolve with rest, warm compresses, and proper breastfeeding techniques," she points out. However, it is important to know that not all lumps are related to breastfeeding. Suspicious lumps can be hard, irregular in shape, painless, or persist beyond a week. This is when the woman must go to a doctor, she points out. "Changes in the nipple, skin dimpling, or unusual discharge will also indicate that a woman needs medical attention."The doctor notes that routine breast checks after the delivery must be done as it allows one's doctor to examine the breast tissue and guide the patient on proper self-examination techniques. This could also allow early identification of abnormalities, and improve the treatment outcomes. "New moms should be encouraged to perform regular self-checks, observe changes in shape, texture, or skin appearance, and lumps. Keeping a record of any persistent changes or discomfort is helpful during consultations."