Benefits and limitations of breastfeeding for mothers with malignant tumors

Abstract

In the modern world breastfeeding (BF) is considered as a significant factor in reducing the risk of developing malignant tumors of the mammary gland and ovaries. However, the problem of maintenance or refusing BF in malignant neoplasms (malignant neoplasms) still remains open. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in breast cancer (BC), especially in developed countries, with more than 10% of all breast malignancies (BC) diagnosed in women under 40 years of age. The presented article highlights aspects of maintaining lactation in different periods of the relevance of BF in relation to the timing of manifestation of cancer, and also presents data from the multicenter study POSITIVE (Pregnancy Outcome and Safety of Interrupting Therapy for women with endocrine responsIVE breast cancer) on the possibilities of implementing reproductive function and BF in women receiving therapy for hormone-receptor positive (HR+) BC stages I–III. BF with cancer detected in the postpartum period depends on the treatment of the underlying disease. In patients undergoing surgical treatment, BF is not contraindicated, but it is not always technically possible. During chemotherapy, BF is not recommended. When carrying out radiotherapy, it is possible to undergo BF using a healthy mammary gland. There is currently no evidence to suggest that BF woman diagnosed with cancer may have any negative effects. In general, it has been shown that preserving and maintaining lactation in women with a history of cancer is safe for both mother and child.