The Head of the Department of Community Health at the University of Ghana Medical School, Professor Benedict Calys-Tagoe, has dismissed claims that sucking a woman’s breast can prevent breast cancer, describing the belief as misinformation.
He said the claim, which often circulates during breast cancer awareness campaigns, is not supported by medical evidence and is wrongly linked to health benefits.
No Medical Evidence to Support Claim
Speaking on the Research and Innovation Agenda programme on Radio Univers, Prof. Calys-Tagoe explained that the act itself does not reduce the risk of breast cancer.
“That misconception comes from the hormonal changes during breastfeeding. Studies show that 12 consecutive months of breastfeeding can reduce breast cancer risk by about 4.3%. It is not the act itself, but these hormonal changes that provide the protection,” he said.
Protection Linked to Hormonal Changes
According to him, the reduced risk of breast cancer is linked to biological and hormonal changes that occur during and after breastfeeding, not the physical act often misunderstood by the public.
Call for Accurate Health Education
Prof. Calys-Tagoe stressed the need for accurate health education to correct such misconceptions and prevent the spread of false information.
Health experts say providing the right information is important to improve awareness and encourage proper preventive practices, especially in the fight against breast cancer.
Addressing Myths Around Breast Cancer
The clarification forms part of broader efforts by health professionals to address myths and improve public understanding of breast cancer risk and prevention.
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