Breasts self-destruct for the sake of babies and their mothers

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After breastfeeding, the mammary cells devour each other to better reappear in the event of a new pregnancy. The process intrigues cancer specialists.

Par Caroline Peat

It is because the breast takes charge of its own destruction that it can be reborn.
© CAIA IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / NEW / Science Photo Library via AFP

Published on 01/28/2023 at 12:00 p.m.

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CThis is an experience shared by all pregnant women. During pregnancy, they notice a noticeable increase in the volume of their breasts. And those who decide to breastfeed their newborn are not at the end of their surprises, since on average the tissue weight of their mammary glands will increase by 90%. An increase obviously due to the presence of mother’s milk but also, in large part, to the multiplication of cells forming the production units of this milk.

But what happens when breastfeeding stops? By what mystery does an organ get rid of such a large quantity of cells, while keeping the capacity to make them proliferate once more in the event of pregnancy? This natural process has long remained a “black box” in the eyes…