Alcohol Consumption Increases Breast Cancer Risk
Frequent Alcohol Use Can Increase Cancer of the Breast by 51%
Jan 7, 2009
Alarm bells need not ring for women who drink on occasion. However, even a drink or two a day can increase the risk of the most common type of breast cancer by 51%. Jennifer Lew, who conducted research at the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. says that, “Even a drink a day can cause an increased risk.” Good habits are the best tools for good breast health.
One of Many Studies
Researchers examined data of almost 185,000 women in the U.S. Approximately 70% of these women reported some alcohol consumption. The women were monitored over a seven year period. Women who consumed three drinks daily had a 50% increase in developing estrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive breast cancer. This is one of the most common types of cancer.
Women who reported drinking one or two drinks a day increased the risk of breast cancer by 32%. Even those women who had less than a drink a day on average, increased their chances of getting breast cancer by almost 10%. As Ms. Lew states, “I think what should be taken from the study is that alcohol consumption is positively associated with breast cancer.”
Alcohol is Good for the Heart, Bad for the Breast
Women who drink red wine because of the benefits to the heart need to weigh the factors. If breast cancer runs in the family, if smoking cigarettes or drug use is also an issue, then these are serious breast cancer risk factors. Asking the family doctor is the best route to take in assessing the risks.
Does Alcohol Affect Breast Cancer Survival?
There have been several studies conducted that show a link between alcohol and breast cancer. One study (conducted by Vaeth and Satariano) points out that women drinking alcohol at heavier levels tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer later (after mid 30s), at a point where it had begun to spread. These researchers postulate that this could be because heavy alcohol consumption is generally linked to other unhealthy behaviors. Heavy exposure to alcohol may also contribute to accelerated tumor growth once breast cancer is present.
Increased Breast Cancer Risk Factors
According to the American Cancer Society the following factors are associated with risk of breast cancer:
- family history of breast cancer
- personal history of breast cancer (women with cancer in one breast has a 3-4 fold increase of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast)
- not having any children or having the first child over the age of 30
- race: white women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer
- previous breast biopsy
- alcohol (alcohol is also known to increase the risk of developing cancers such as mouth, throat and esophagus
- obesity and high-fat diets (especially after menopause)
Alcohol, Cigarettes and Breast Cancer
Alcohol consumption is a leading factor in cancers of the upper aero digestive tract (UADT, esophagus, pharynx, larynx and oral cavity), liver, colon and breast. Smoking increases the risk of: mouth, oropharyngeal, esophageal, trachea, lung, liver, stomach and breast cancers.
Concurrent use of alcohol and tobacco, which is common, further increases the risk for UADT cancers as well as breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Folate and Folic Acid
Folate is a water-soluble B-vitamin that naturally occurs in food such as citrus fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is found in vitamins and is added to fortify some foods.
Folate helps to produce and maintain new cells.
Dr. Walter Willet is a distinguished nutritionist at the Harvard School of Public Health. His observations are that more than one drink a day is risky. However, he states that 400 micrograms of folic acid, an amount typical in a multi-vitamin appears to offset this risk in women who drink moderately.
An extensive study has shown that a high intake of folate drastically reduces the risk of breast cancer in women who consume alcohol regularly compared to those who abstain from alcohol.
Education is Crucial
Many women do not know about one of the biggest health risks linked to breast cancer - alcohol consumption. While many women are aware about liver disease or liver cancer risks, one in five women are aware about the dangers any form of alcohol poses.
If you know a woman in your life who drinks alcohol, let her know she is playing roulette with cancer, and possibly her life. Education is crucial is reducing the risks.
Always Remember………
See a doctor regularly. More importantly, on a monthly basis, conduct a breast self-examination to ensure if there is a lump, it is found early. Early diagnosis is important for breast cancer treatments.
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