Alcohol increases breast cancer risk by 10% and 40%

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!

10-13-2007, 12:49 PM

I love wine but stopped drinking in 2001 when my husband stopped because he had been diagnosed with diabetes. The day I was diagnosed with BC in 2006 I stopped at the local wine shop and purchased a bottle of champagne. Herceptin altered my taste buds so I didn't drink much in the last year, but now that I'm off herceptin I have my wine and enjoy it immensely. I don't enjoy the folic acid supplements as much, but I take those as well.

StephN · 10-13-2007, 01:16 PM

I am in with those who say a bit of alcohol in moderation adds to their quality of life. Can recall some gals here posting on another "alcohol thread" that they needed a glass or two of wine to help them sleep after their diagnosis.

During treatment my med onc was all for a glass of wine with dinner. He also recommended the folic acid, which I no longer use as a supplement by itself, but get in other ways. Again the taste buds were badly affected as well as stomach acid from the chemos. Managed to enjoy lighter wines such as Beaujolais and low alcohol German wines or from the Loire Valley.

This quote from the article in Vic's link was something I noticed in some other research:

Indeed, wine, beer and spirits can cause both the increase in breast cancer risk and the reduction in heart disease risk. In lab studies alcohol increases the amount of the female hormone estrogen, which could account for its effects on both heart disease and breast cancer.

Being estogen neg, my question was answered.

Patb · 10-13-2007, 01:53 PM

Here's to folic acid with a little wine. I agree everything in moderation.
Chicken, beef, etc is full of hormones so I really watch that and I
found a new wine called New Age that is lower in alcohol but very
good on ice with lime. In fact I plan to have one tonight. Cheers!
patb