Impact of Childbearing on Breast Cancer Risk: Insights from Oncologist

Dr. Ritika Harjani Hinduja from P. D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC has shed light on the intricate relationship between childbearing and breast cancer risk in women. According to Dr. Hinduja, a woman’s likelihood of developing breast cancer is closely linked to her exposure to hormones, specifically endogenous estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries.

The duration and levels of exposure to these ovarian hormones, which promote cell growth, play a significant role in increasing the risk of breast cancer. Factors such as early onset of menstruation, late onset of menopause, delayed pregnancy, and nulliparity contribute to prolonged exposure of breast tissue to high hormone levels, thereby escalating the risk.

Furthermore, Dr. Hinduja explained that pregnancy and breastfeeding have a dual impact on breast cancer risk. These factors reduce the cumulative exposure to endogenous hormones through a decrease in lifetime menstrual cycles. Additionally, pregnancy and breastfeeding prompt the differentiation and maturation of breast cells, making them more resistant to cancer.

The age at which a woman gives birth to her first child and the number of childbirths also influence breast cancer risk. While pregnancy may elevate short-term cancer risk due to rapid cell growth, it ultimately reduces long-term risk. Women who bear their first child at a young age exhibit lower susceptibility to breast cancer compared to those with late pregnancies or no childbirth.

However, multiple childbirths can sometimes lead to abnormal growth of hormone-negative cells, potentially resulting in a more aggressive form of hormone-negative cancer. Understanding these nuances and complexities is crucial in assessing the impact of childbearing on breast cancer risk in women.