Alcohol increases breast cancer risk by 10% and 40%

R.B. · 10-13-2007, 04:04 AM

And in the lab alcohol pushes up aromatase expression.

RB

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/en...RVAbstractPlus

Ethanol stimulates proliferation, ERalpha and aromatase expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.
Etique N, Chardard D, Chesnel A, Merlin JL, Flament S, Grillier-Vuissoz I.

ABSTRACT

"At the same stage, RT-PCR studies demonstrate a 2.4-fold increase in aromatase mRNA level which is confirmed at the protein level by western blots performed after immuno-precipitation of the enzyme. Taken together, these results are in agreement with the involvement of ER signalling in ethanol-induced stimulation of breast cancer cell proliferation and could help to understand why alcohol consumption is associated with breast cancer risk."

Mary Jo · 10-13-2007, 07:33 AM

I stand with "Stillhere"

Cheers back at ya,

Mary Jo

Mary Anne in TX · 10-13-2007, 07:50 AM

Gee'z! I've spent the last 30 years having had NO alcohol at all and very little before then. I was just in the process of planning a most inviting introduction into "wine tasting" for the purpose of relaxation and some fun finding those I would enjoy! I love research!!!
Still sounds like a good plan though! I've been in denial mode far too long!!!
What do you think? Continue the tee-totler (is that spelled right?) life or give life a whirl?
You know, maybe Tip could give us some advice on this one! I noticed that he really does appear to be an inquisitive sort of guy. And I'll bet with his spirit of adventure, he might have picked something up on his travels within the medical environment! Worth a try, you know!
mary anne

Marlys · 10-13-2007, 07:51 AM

Well, I guess statistically I am doomed. I did everything to excess (and quite frankly I enjoyed most of it immensely). However, without that I would have never found the life I have today. And for that I am grateful. I drank until I could drink no more and I smoked until I decided I wasn't going to pay that much for them anymore. However, I am not going to give up eating anytime soon.
Sometimes reports of scientific studies get to be too much.
For those of you who drink so little (which I cannot understand) keep it up. Don't give up on the quality of life that you have.
Love & hugs,
Marlys

KRISS · 10-13-2007, 07:53 AM

You know before all this started I was a pretty hard core drinker. Around 3 drinks a day, every day for years. I have no family history of BC and often wonder if I did this to myself. But since chemo and all I can hardly drink at all. For one the taste is not the same. I used to love red wine and now find it hard to go down. Every now and then I crave a glass of white and go for it but all other alcohol does not appeal to me( ok a margharita at our mexican place, but a small one not the big honker I used to knock back). Maybe this is Gods way of saving me from some other illness or problem. But moderation is the key.

KRISS · 10-13-2007, 07:57 AM

Marlys, you crack me up! I love your spirit and zest for life!

Hopeful · 10-13-2007, 09:41 AM

Wine is my hobby and a very big part of my life. I enjoy wine three to four times a week with wine friends. We pour a lot, but pour out a lot, too - we taste rather than drink, but the tastes add up. I would say it comes to to two three glasses on those occassions.

All of the doctors involved in my treatment are aware of this, and not one of them has suggested to me to cut down or cut out the wine. I have no intention of changing my consumption habits. I have added a folic acid supplement to my diet since dx.

Hopeful

Vic · 10-13-2007, 10:32 AM

Hi Wonderful Wise Women,

Wow, I am blown away by the great response to me posting and that's why I love each and every one of you! It's nice to know we can count on each other for sage advice and support and it's fun to see everyone's special personality shine through.

Thanks, Becky, for the pleasant reminder of our great time together and, yes, I do recall Mr. Onc. from Mississippi telling us about the 1,000 mg. of folic acid. So, I will continue to eat my greens and go to the health food store and buy some folic acid when I imbibe. I also take milk thistle on occasion after I've had some drinks, too, as I hear it's good for liver cleansing. This sounds like I live in a "bottle," and I really don't; I just want to watch what I'm doing internally while I'm enjoying life. (Becky, I look forward to talking with you online!).

So, here's a toast to each of you for keeping everything in perspective. Thanks again.

Love and hugs from Calif. and have a great weekend,

Vicki

Sheila · 10-13-2007, 10:42 AM

Funny. my Mom has never drank in her life...she has breast cancer, and me, I like an occasional martini, margarita, bloody mary, glass of wine, and oh don't forget the Miller Lite...or the new Miller Freeze!....but all in moderation.... and I have breast cancer... I live life each day! Last night I tasted a Bacardi Mohito for the first time....didn't like it at all...taste like cough medicine!