Ever wondered if that wholesome breastfeeding advice is backed by solid science? 🤔 A new Aussie study led by Peter MacCallum Cancer Center finds that breastfeeding reshapes your immune system to fight breast cancer.
Published in Nature, the research reveals that after pregnancy and breastfeeding, special immune cells called CD8⁺ T cells stick around in breast tissue for decades. Think of them as local guards, on standby to attack any rogue cells that could turn cancerous. 💪
These T cells are especially effective against triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive type lacking common hormone targets. In lab models, breasts with this 'reproductive history' slowed or even halted tumor growth—so long as the T cells were on duty.
Data from over 1,000 patients showed women who breastfed had more of these protective cells in their tumors and enjoyed better survival rates after diagnosis. This flips the script on old theories that hormones were the main protectors—it's actually these immune changes at work.
With breast cancer being the most common cancer among women in Australia (about 58 cases daily) and rising in younger women, this discovery could pave the way for new prevention and treatment strategies. 🌟
For moms-to-be and health buffs alike, this study adds a powerful reason to support and promote breastfeeding—not just for baby bonding, but for long-term breast health too. 🥰
Reference(s):
Australian study finds breastfeeding helps prevent breast cancer
cgtn.com
