Evidence of the Link Between Alcohol Use and Breast Cancer
A study done by Dr. Shumin M. Zhang agrees with the results of Dr Li's study. Dr. Zhang's study covered 10 years, following women who started out with no cancer and no heart disease. In both studies, women who regularly drank moderate amounts of alcohol developed estrogen-fueled breast cancer, and those who drank heavily developed invasive breast cancer. This increased risk holds true regardless of the type of drink you consume, or your race. It is the alcohol (ethyl alcohol) in the drinks, consumed at the rate of two or more drinks a day, that increases your levels of circulating estrogen, and raises your risk of developing breast cancer.
Bottom Line on Alcohol Use
Raising the glass, too often and too much, raises your risk of breast cancer. Moderate and heavy drinking raises your estrogen levels and overexposes your breast tissue to hormones that may trigger breast cancer. Smoking and drinking increases your risk over 30%. Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and drinking may double your risk of developing breast cancer. If you do drink alcohol, consider quitting, or cutting down to half a glass of wine a day. Better yet, limit yourself to one glass a year on your birthday. Best of all, enjoy alcohol-free drinks or sparkling juices instead of alcoholic drinks.
Sources:
American Cancer Society. The Scientific Explanation. Alcohol May Boost Hormones Linked to Breast Cancer.
National Cancer Institute. Cancer Trends Progress Report – 2007 Update. Prevention: Behavioral Factors. Alcohol Consumption.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Vol. 93, No. 9, 710–715).
American Journal of Epidemiology. # Volume 165, Number 6
# Pp. 667-676. Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk in the Women's Health Study. Shumin M. Zhang, et al.
Li Y, Baer D, Friedman GD, et al. Wine, liquor, beer and risk of breast cancer. #1201. Presented at: 14th European Cancer Conference; Sept. 23-27, 2007; Barcelona.
Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk – Lifestyle Factors You Can Control.
