Breastfeeding and Cancer: What Happens When You Stop Early?

You might not think about it, but stopping breastfeeding early could have some serious health effects. Scientists did a study with mice to find out why this might increase the risk of breast cancer, especially for women who don't breastfeed for long. Past research showed that mice who stopped breastfeeding early developed early signs of breast cancer. So, researchers wanted to know what happens when breastfeeding stops suddenly. They discovered that the breast tissue can go crazy, leading to unwanted cell growth. This is even more important to know for African American women, who often breastfeed for a shorter time. The study shows that the body's natural process can be disrupted when breastfeeding stops suddenly, which could lead to problems later on. It's a reminder to think about the long-term effects of our choices.