Discontinuing Breastfeeding in Order to do a Mammogram

2/11/2008

I recently spoke to a mother in my practice who is breastfeeding her one year old baby very successfully. She is a woman in her mid-30’s who had breast cancer several years ago. She was successfully treated and has had regular follow up studies including mammography.

Recently, her oncologist suggested that she stop breastfeeding at this point as she is due for a follow-up mammogram. These studies are ideally done when mom is not nursing. While the study is possible to do when nursing, it is ideally done when not. It should be noted that she has had previous studies while nursing and they were without any suspicious lesions. The question posed to me was whether I was in agreement with mom stopping nursing to get a better quality study. I expressed to mom that breastfeeding offers great protection for pre-menopausal breast cancer and that stopping at this point was not ideal. On the other hand, I did tell mom that she should have a discussion with her oncologist expressing these concerns. It seemed strange to me to stop nursing without more consideration. If her oncologist feels strongly that an excellent study cannot be carried out while nursing, then she should follow his instructions. If a comparable study can be carried out then I would advise that she consider continuing to nurse as she is receiving great anti-cancer benefits as is her baby.

It is very important for communication between all parties is such a sensitive situation. The beauty of the pediatrician-parent relationship is the ability for discussions to take place with all members of the family being taken into consideration. In this case there is a very conscientious oncologist who is very communicative with mom and thus a good educated well rounded decision can easily be reached.

      

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