Researchers warn alcohol could increase risk of breast cancer
| Mar 31, 2019, 11:58 IST
A new study has found drinking alcohol, even just one glass, on a daily basis can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The risk is even higher for women who are overweight.
"That means that consequently, even relatively small preventable proportions translate into large numbers of preventable breast cancers," Maarit Laaksonen, from the University of New South Wales in Australia, told a news portal.
Researchers warn there will be a 13 per cent increase of breast cancer cases in pre-menopausal women over the next decade. We will also see a six per cent in post-menopausal breast cancer cases. Obesity will contribute to 13 per cent of cases. That means frequent consumption of alcohol and excessive weight gain are risk factors that will be the cause for close30,000 cases of breast cancer in the next 10 years.
However, experts note the findings do not suggest women avoid taking oral contraceptives as they could help protect against endometrial and ovarian cancers, as well as have reproductive benefits. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between breast cancer and alcohol.
Researchers do however recommend consuming less alcohol and watching one's weight as a preventive measure against breast cancer. Breast cancer ranks as the number one cancer among Indian women.A healthy lifestyle that includes good food, regular exercise and reducing stress can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Breast screening can also help lower the risk of breast cancer death. "Recent improvements in treatments have led to reduced deaths from breast cancer. However, these new results demonstrate the vital role that screening also has to play, giving women a much greater benefit from modern treatments. We need to ensure that participation in breast screening programmes improves, especially in socio-economically deprived areas," researcher Professor Stephen Duffy told a news portal.
The study was originally published in the International Journal of Cancer.
"That means that consequently, even relatively small preventable proportions translate into large numbers of preventable breast cancers," Maarit Laaksonen, from the University of New South Wales in Australia, told a news portal.
Researchers warn there will be a 13 per cent increase of breast cancer cases in pre-menopausal women over the next decade. We will also see a six per cent in post-menopausal breast cancer cases. Obesity will contribute to 13 per cent of cases. That means frequent consumption of alcohol and excessive weight gain are risk factors that will be the cause for close30,000 cases of breast cancer in the next 10 years.
However, experts note the findings do not suggest women avoid taking oral contraceptives as they could help protect against endometrial and ovarian cancers, as well as have reproductive benefits. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between breast cancer and alcohol.
Researchers do however recommend consuming less alcohol and watching one's weight as a preventive measure against breast cancer. Breast cancer ranks as the number one cancer among Indian women.A healthy lifestyle that includes good food, regular exercise and reducing stress can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Breast screening can also help lower the risk of breast cancer death. "Recent improvements in treatments have led to reduced deaths from breast cancer. However, these new results demonstrate the vital role that screening also has to play, giving women a much greater benefit from modern treatments. We need to ensure that participation in breast screening programmes improves, especially in socio-economically deprived areas," researcher Professor Stephen Duffy told a news portal.
The study was originally published in the International Journal of Cancer.