breast milk and cancer treatment

Release time ：Dec-18,2024

There is a recognized association between breastfeeding and cancer therapy. Generally, when a mother is receiving cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, physicians may advise against breastfeeding due to the potential for certain therapeutic agents to pass into the infant's system through breast milk, posing a risk to the infant's health.

Drugs employed in cancer treatment can be cytotoxic, meaning they may have a harmful effect on rapidly dividing cells, such as those of an infant. Additionally, the concentration of these drugs in breast milk could also pose a risk to the infant. However, not all cancer treatments are excreted into breast milk, and in specific instances, physicians may weigh the risks of the medication against the benefits of breastfeeding to provide tailored medical recommendations.

For mothers undergoing cancer treatment, it is crucial to make decisions regarding breastfeeding under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The provider will offer expert advice based on the treatment regimen, the characteristics of the medication, and the infant's health. Mothers should adhere to the physician's instructions and avoid making unilateral decisions to cease or alter the treatment plan to safeguard their own and their infant's health and well-being.