@ruffianfan55

Here is the reply from MyBCTeam site.

MyBCTeam
Does breastfeeding affect breast cancer risk?

“Breastfeeding is associated with a slightly lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to not breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed for at least one year gain the most protective benefit.

The protective effect may occur because:
- Breastfeeding delays menstrual periods from returning, reducing exposure to hormones
- Breast cells actively producing milk are less likely to undergo cancerous changes
- Women often maintain healthier habits while breastfeeding, such as better diet and avoiding alcohol and smoking

However, breastfeeding doesn't guarantee prevention. Many women who breastfed still develop breast cancer, and the risk reduction is described as "slight." Regarding recurrence and metastasis:

The search results don't contain specific data about breastfeeding's relationship to cancer recurrence or metastatic breast cancer. About 30 percent of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer later develop metastatic disease, regardless of breastfeeding history.

If you're looking for more personalized insights about other members' experiences with breastfeeding and breast cancer, connecting with others on MyBCTeam might provide valuable perspectives from those who've been through similar situations.“