Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2012 Oct 16. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01888.x. [Epub ahead of print]
Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer in Women: From Epidemiology to Mechanisms and Interventions.

Brooks PJ, Zakhari S.
Source

Division of Metabolism and Health Effects (PJB, SZ), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland.

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies indicate that moderate alcohol consumption increases breast cancer risk in women. Understanding the mechanistic basis of this relationship has important implications for women's health and breast cancer prevention. In this commentary, we focus on some recent epidemiologic studies linking moderate alcohol consumption to breast cancer risk and place the results of those studies within the framework of our current understanding of the temporal and mechanistic basis of human carcinogenesis.

This analysis supports the hypothesis that alcohol acts as a weak cumulative breast carcinogen and may also be a tumor promoter. We discuss the implications of these mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-related breast cancer and present some considerations for future studies. Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to benefit cardiovascular health and recently been associated with healthy aging.

Therefore, a better understanding of how moderate alcohol consumption impacts breast cancer risk will allow women to make better informed decisions about the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption in the context of their overall health and at different stages of their life. Such mechanistic information is also important for the development of rational clinical interventions to reduce ethanol-related breast cancer mortality.

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

Oh Jackie, I love my glass of wine with dinner and didn't need to read this!!!:)

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

Well, there's a common Chinese saying about drinking:

"If I don't drink, I'll be damaging my heart (=my heart would ache= I'll be feeling bad); but if I drink, I'll be damaging my liver. I'd rather damage my liver instead of having heart aches. " :)

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

I was first made aware of the link between alcohol and breast cancer from the WHO (World Health Organization) study. It was published 2007 I think, and looked at tons of studies over the years, throwing out bad studies, ensuring good methodology, etc., Their report pointed as confidently to this link as there is between smoking and lung cancer. It seems like the world's best-kept secret.
At any rate, I now drink de-alcoholized beer, and no more wine (the "fake wine" is not worth drinking.) But I buy Baco Noir grape juice from a local winery, throw in a few ice cubes, and it is delicious as well as good for me.

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

Love that saying Jackie, I managed to quit smoking last year and feel a little of what I fancy is good for me so no more cigs but can't have a heartache either!:)

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

I read a study that was over a long period of time with many women. It found a correlation for er positive but not er negative. I wonder if this study looked at the various kinds of breast cancer since we now know they behave differently.

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

I remember Lani posting a study about the effect of alcohol on tumours in mice and that those taking the AI's basically had no tumour growth compared to those without the AI's. I never forget mine after a glass or two!!

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

I have my glass ALONE.Leaving Hema with water

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

I love to have a glass or two of wine. I usually have two glasses of wine during the weekend. I am also estrogen positive and get a little freaked out when I read the studies about increased risk with alcohol. Well I have to tell you ladies I want to enjoy a glass of wine now and then. When i was first diagnosed I was pretty scared, what to eat, what not to eat, not to drink, no sugar, etc. etc. My oncologist said everything in moderation. I want to enjoy my dinner's out with a glass of wine and I dont want to be afraid anymore. I want to have fun and carry on with life. Cheers xo

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

Miller 64 beer, only 2.6 alcohol, which is about 1/2 the normal. I pour it into a frosty glass stein and enjoy. If out with friends, I enjoy a beer or two. On a hot summer day, I want to enjoy a beer. Just saying....

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

I'm with Lois. My oncologist also told me all things in moderation. At one point I wouldnt even chew gum because it contained soy. Now I enjoy all the things that I love, in moderation.

I am a wine club member at a local winery and once all treatment was finished and I started feeling better, I asked if I should cancel my membership and my oncologist told me not to stop living, just adjust how I live. ;)

Re: Alcohol and breast cancer risk
 

In moderation, same here.

I have a glass of red wine very occasionally - festive holidays, a wedding or Bar Mitzvah, dinner out with friends - that's it.

No beer, no hard alcohol. If I'm away on an island I might have a Pina Colada or two...

all the best
caya