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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