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Drinking alcohol linked to breast cancer

September 28, 2010
By Nicole Young

A report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found moderate drinking to be linked to breast cancer recurrence,

Although factors such as age and body weight do contribute to the likelihood of getting breast cancer, the study found women who drink more than three to four alcoholic beverages per week are more likely to see the disease return. Regular drinkers also had a 51 per cent greater chance of dying from the disease.

“If you’re not planning to die of cancer […] it might be best to limit [alcohol consumption] to zero,” says James Koropatnick, a professor of oncology at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

While researchers determined alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer for women in general, it was particularly prevalent among older and overweight women.

But how much is too much when it comes to alcohol and your health?

Some researchers have differing opinions regarding the matter.

“There is no safe lower limit [of alcohol] to consume that we know of,” says Koropatnick

In the study, 1,897 women were followed after being treated for breast cancer in the early stages. While 293 of them experienced the return of the cancer, 273 died as a result of their condition.

Though the occasional drink is known to increase “good” cholesterol in the heart, alcohol also boosts levels of estrogen in the blood, which ultimately feeds cancer growth.

“If you’re in a family that has a history of cancer, you are at greater risk.” Koropatnick says. “It would be a good idea to decrease your intake to a more moderate level.”

People should be wary of alcohol consumption, no matter the quantity. Some strategies known to prevent breast cancer and improve one’s overall include lowering alcohol consumption, and increasing vegetable and fruit intake. Cutting fat, controlling your weight and routine exercise has also been known to reduce cancer risks.

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