Drinking Increases Risk of Breast Cancer Return
According to new research, survivors of breast cancer are more likely to have the cancer return if they consume even just a few alcoholic beverages per week, versus breast cancer survivors who consume little or no alcoholic beverages.
In the study, 1,900 breast cancer survivors were followed for 8 years. Women who consumed at least 3 to 4 alcoholic drinks per week were discovered to have a 34% higher risk of breast cancer returning. The study found that the risk for breast cancer returning was even higher among breast cancer survivors who had experienced menopause and those who were overweight or obese.
In total, there were 349 cases of breast cancer returning, and 332 deaths during the period studied.
According to Marilyn L. Kwan, PhD, a staff scientist at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland and lead researcher on the study, “More research should be done, but there is a growing body of evidence which suggests that women previously diagnosed with breast cancer should speak with their doctor about possibly limiting their consumption of alcohol.”
It was suggested through previous research that consuming alcohol may itself increase the risk for developing breast cancer.
Marisa Weiss, MD, the president and founder of the advocacy group Breastcancer.org says, “Cutting back on alcohol represents a real step that a breast cancer survivor can take to reduce her risk of recurrence. You don’t have to give up alcohol, but use it more carefully and in moderation.”
Exactly how alcohol consumption affects breast cancer risk is not fully understood although estrogen, which fuels the growth of most types of breast cancer, is likely involved. The study, which was funded by the National Cancer Institute, was presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
