Hi, my name is Lynne and I am a junior nursing student at the
University of North Dakota. While looking through the archives the question
concerning induced lactation in regards to breast cancer caught my attention.
I have not done much research on the induction of lactation, so I thought this
would be a good opportunity to learn more about it and hopefully help answer
the question concerning lactation and breast cancer.
Fenugreek is one herb that has properties that aid in the induction of
lactation. According to an article by Amin, Alkaabi, Shamma, & Daoud (2005),
the use of Fenugreek seed herbs in rats that had been induced with breast
cancer, significantly inhibited the breast cancer hyperplasia and decreased its
incidence.
Domperidone is another medication that is used to induce lactation.
According to a study by Harvey, Cowan, & LoRusso (2004), medications that
increase serum prolactin levels may reduce the sensitivity of breast cancer
detection due to higher breast density, and may increase the risk of
developing breast cancer. This study was however conducted on a 45-year
old premenopausal woman. The article also stated that, no studies have
shown an increase in breast cancer when using domperidone, although its use
increases the incidence of malignant mammary tumors in mice.
In more recent research by Manhes, et al. (2006), they showed that
over-expression of local prolactin in mammary glands in mice induces multiple
defects such as abnormal histology, but none of the mice developed malignant
tumors. However, some of the older mice did exhibit benign tumors. The
conclusion of this article states that more research needs to be conducted to
include the duration of hormone impregnation, the target-tissue involved, and
the genetic background because the specific effect of prolactin on tumors is
still unclear.
More research needs to be conducted to better understand the affects
of lactation medications. However, I hope the research that I found helps
answer your question and will help you assess your patient’s needs.
Best wishes,
Lynne
References
Amin, A., Alkaabi, A., Shamma, A., & Daoud, S. (2005). Chemopreventive
activities of trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) against breast
cancer. Cell Biology International, 29, 687-694. Retrieved on March 27,
2007 from http://www.elsevier.com/locate/cellbi
Harvey, J., Cowan, J., & LoRusso, A. (2004). Increase in mammographic breast
density associated with the use of domperidone. The Breast Journal, 10
(3), 256-258.
Manhes, C., Kayser, C., Bertheau, P., Kelder, B., Kopchick, J., Kelly, P.,
Touraine, P., & Goffin, V. (2006). Local over-expression of prolactin in
differentiating mouse mammary gland induces functional defects and
benign lesions, but no carcinoma. Journal of Endocrinology, 190, 271-
285. Retrieved on March 27, 2007 from http://www.endocrinology-
journals.org
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