What is an expected long-term effect of successfully establishing breastfeeding in a postpartum woman?

Establishing breastfeeding successfully in a postpartum woman is associated with several long-term health benefits, one of which is a decreased risk of endometrial cancer. Research has shown that women who breastfeed may have a lower likelihood of developing this type of cancer compared to those who do not breastfeed. The protective effect is believed to be linked to hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding, such as lower levels of estrogen, which can influence the risk of certain hormone-related cancers, including endometrial cancer.

Breastfeeding is also associated with a variety of other health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain types of cancer and chronic diseases. However, the other options, such as increased risk of diabetes mellitus and ovarian cancer, are generally not considered beneficial effects of breastfeeding. Meanwhile, while some studies might suggest a link between breastfeeding and a lower risk of osteoporosis, this connection is less definitively established than that of breastfeeding with reduced risks of endometrial and other cancers. Thus, decreased risk of endometrial cancer stands out as a well-supported long-term effect of successful breastfeeding.