The United States Lactation Consultant Association applauds Dr. Kathleen Arcaro of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for her groundbreaking breast cancer research. Dr. Arcaro recently made a presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research conference in Orlando, FL, in which she shared her discovery that cells in mothers’ breast milk may provide clues to women’s future breast health. As one in eight American women will develop breast cancer, this is important news. Eighty per cent of American women give birth, and they may soon be able to use their own breast milk to identify breast cancer markers in a safe, non-invasive way.
While the health protection that infants receive from breastfeeding is well known, fewer people are aware that breastfeeding is important for mothers’ health, too. Breastfeeding reduces women’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer and reduces their risk of heart disease and diabetes. Now it may soon allow for early identification of risk factors.
Although the majority of women begin breastfeeding , many encounter obstacles that prevent them from fulfilling their own breastfeeding goals and maximizing health benefits. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) help mothers overcome problems that they may encounter so that women feel successful and empowered as they breastfeed . IBCLCs are health care professionals with the training and expertise to help make the health benefits of breastfeeding accessible to women and children. To locate a lactation professional or learn more about IBCLCs, visit http://www.uslca.org/.
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