Cancer
Women face many factors that can raise their risk of developing breast cancer – some manageable and some that cannot be managed. One of the most significant lifestyle changes that can help lower the risk of breast cancer for women is reducing or eliminating alcohol.
Lori Medeiros, MD, Director of Rochester Regional Breast Cancer, explains how alcohol and breast cancer are linked, and shares ways women can manage and even reduce their risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol and its effects on health are being studied more frequently in recent years. An analysis of 53 different studies found women who had 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day have a 20 percent increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who do not drink alcohol.
Researchers have found there are several ways alcohol can potentially raise the risk of developing breast cancer.
Many studies closely link higher estrogen levels with an increased risk of breast cancer. Because research shows alcohol affects how estrogen is absorbed in the body and increases levels of the hormone, those higher estrogen levels can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Alcohol can potentially increase the risk of breast cancer by contributing to obesity. For people who gain weight, having an unhealthy level of body fat can raise the body’s estrogen and insulin levels, according to the American Cancer Society.
Hormone receptor positive breast cancer is a common form of breast cancer. Studies suggest that alcohol can enhance breast tissue’s sensitivity to estrogen, raising the risk of breast cancer expressing the hormone receptors.
When the body breaks down alcohol, it becomes a chemical called acetaldehyde. This chemical can damage DNA molecules and prevent the body from repairing that damage. If DNA becomes damaged, cells face a risk of growing uncontrollably and forming a tumor.
“While the evidence needs to be interpreted in the context of other risk factors, the takeaway is that moderating the amount of alcohol consumed daily to less than or equal to 1 drink a day seems to make sense to help reduce cancer risk,” Dr. Medeiros said. “Because alcohol consumption is also related to other social behaviors like eating higher fat foods or smoking, it is also important to consider overall healthy lifestyle modifications.”
Cutting back on or cutting out alcohol altogether can lower a woman’s risk of breast cancer. If a woman chooses to drink, experts suggest no more than 1 drink per day. One drink is considered to be 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1.5 oz. of liquor.
Other steps women can take to lower their overall risk of breast cancer include lifestyle changes such as:
Undergoing a breast cancer risk assessment can also help to determine if a woman should seek out additional screening options or testing based on their risk level. These tools use a wide range of questions and health data to determine the level of risk for a woman developing breast cancer.
Recommended screening options include mammograms and/or breast MRIs, genetic testing, preventative medication, or preventative surgery.
“Ultimately, using a moderate approach and adopting a healthy lifestyle is one way women can help modify their risk,” Dr. Medeiros said. “However, it is equally important to remain vigilant about mammograms, awareness of risk factors like family history or previous abnormal biopsies and, of course, keep up with your screening mammograms and self-exams.”
