Being pregnant is a good thing. For more reasons than one, apparently.
Some studies indicate that having children can protect your from breast cancer, particularly if you are younger than 30 when having your first child or have more than one child.
Multiple births do not seem to effect the protective mechanisms positively or negatively. However, premature births are said to cause more potential problems due to the abrupt cessation of gestation and the changes of the breast tissue.
When breast cancer is found during pregnancy, the prognosis is worse. However, this is not due to the pregnancy itself, but rather it is more likely that it is in a later stage and was merely found because of the mother seeking care for the pregnancy. Breast cancers found earlier have the same overall treatment success rates. Another factor to consider is the risk/benefit analysis of fetal implications and maternal implications. Though at least one study indicates that termination of pregnancy does not improve outcomes.
Pregnancy after breast cancer has been studied but not to the satisfaction of many. While most studies do not show complications, many recommend waiting at least 2-3 years prior to conception. It is feared that the intense hormones of pregnancy and lactation might have a detrimental effect on the breast tissues and health of the woman. Specifically speaking, talking to your set of practitioners is probably your best bet.
Breast feeding is another way to protect yourself from breast cancer. Studies show that by breastfeeding and allowing the breast tissue to continue to mature, you are protecting yourself from breast cancer.
