#FeedToDefeat: Level up the Fight against Breast Cancer by Breastfeeding
Gurgaon, 21st October, 2016: Medela India, the world’s leading global producer of breast pumps and nursing accessories today organized the third edition of LactoClave 2016 an initiative to bring together experts to discuss the critical and mounting issue of breast cancer on the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The panel discussion comprising subject matter experts was based on the topic of “#FeedToDefeat: Level up the Fight against Breast Cancer by Breastfeeding” to underline the prominent role of breastfeeding in decreasing the occurrence of breast cancer in women.
The health care burden related to breast cancer in India has been steadily mounting. Over 100,000 new breast cancer patients are estimated to be diagnosed annually in India. As per the ICMR-PBCR data, breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women in urban registries of Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Calcutta and Trivandrum where it constitutes more than 30% of all cancers in females.
In the recent past, scientists have been able to discover a direct relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer.Therefore the panel discussion was aimed at highlighting the significant role of breastfeeding in reducing the risk of developing breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer especially among young women.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Siddharth Sahni, Senior Consultant, Breast Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi said, “Breast cancer is the fastest growing disease among urban and rural women. Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease and awareness about symptoms and regular checking is very crucial and necessary. Every woman should check her breast once a month for breast cancer symptoms which include lump formation and nipple discharge.”
Elaborating on the link between breast cancer and breastfeeding, Dr. Ruchika Nagarath, Lactation Consultant, Lamaze-India shared that, “It has been scientifically proven that breastfeeding reduces the occurrence of breast cancer in women. Major risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyles, obesity, smoking and consumption of alcohol are kept under check during breastfeeding, thereby helping in reducing the chances of breast cancer occurrence. It is also important to remember that breast cancer cells do not pass on through breast milk from the mother to the baby. However, breastfeeding should be discontinued during chemotherapy and medication.”
Ms. Priya Chaddha, a breast cancer survivor also shared her experience on combating this disease by adding that, “Despite leading a regimented lifestyle, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 32. Breast Cancer redefines ‘normal’ in one’s life. Therefore support from family, friends and doctors is very crucial. Individuals should also be aware of their bodies as self-examination is extremely vital.”
