Home » Breast cancer and alcohol: here’s what you need to know

Breast cancer and alcohol: here’s what you need to know

by admin

TIME for parties, time to toast. But is virtue somewhere in between here too? More or less. Already 4 years ago, US oncologists took a clear stance towards alcohol as a risk factor for many cancers, including breast cancer: there is no minimum dose considered “safe”, so it should be avoided altogether. The guidelines of the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggest in any case not to exceed the equivalent of one glass of wine per day for women (and two for men). For the Health Breast newsletter, let’s take stock of what we know today about the connection between the consumption of wine & Co. and the incidence of breast cancer.

Breast Health, the newsletter is born


How can regular alcohol consumption increase the risk of breast cancer?

The mechanisms underlying the correlation are believed to be different. Alcohol appears to work:
– by increasing the level of estrogen, the female hormones that promote the growth of the most common type of breast cancer, the hormone-sensitive one
– limiting the absorption of some important nutrients, such as folate
– promoting oxidative stress in cells and “damaging” the DNA
– making it more difficult to eliminate other carcinogenic substances, such as those of tobacco and smoking
– providing calories that contribute to increasing body weight, an additional risk factor for breast cancer.

How much does the risk increase?

There are many epidemiological studies that have investigated this association. One of the most recent was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In general, the data indicate that the individual risk would increase by 15-20% for a regular consumption of 3 to 6 “drinks” per week (a drink is defined as a drink with 2.5 grams of alcohol). The higher the consumption, of course, the greater the increase in risk: about 10% for each additional glass drunk regularly. As mentioned, there is no minimum threshold below which the risk is zero.

See also  Tumors in the over 70s: fewer side effects if the geriatrician is next to the oncologist

How to avoid getting fat during the holidays

by Andrea Ghiselli


Does the type of alcohol matter?

Wine, beer, spirits and various spirits all contain ethanol – the substance believed to be responsible for the increased risk – albeit in varying amounts. When it comes to breast cancer, experts believe that it is more the amount of alcohol consumed regularly than the type of alcohol that makes the difference.

What impact does alcohol use have after breast cancer is diagnosed?

Few studies have investigated the impact of alcohol consumption on prognosis and the risk of relapse in those already diagnosed. There is currently no strong scientific evidence that drinking alcohol can increase breast cancer mortality in patients. Some, but not all, epidemiological research indicates that there may be an increased incidence of local or distant relapses. Furthermore, there could be a difference when considering postmenopausal or pre-menopausal patients: some studies indicate a higher risk for the former. For those in therapy, however, it should be remembered that alcohol can interact with treatments, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

How to limit alcohol consumption in general and, above all, during the holidays?

People often tend to underestimate their alcohol consumption. To help us keep it under control, there are some simple precautions to follow, reported on Medical News Today:
– plan the daily or weekly quantity, and establish the days on which no alcohol will be drunk.
– write down the amount drunk on each occasion (there are apps, but a notebook is enough)
– use a glass with a “measuring cup”, which shows the volume of the content

See also  Long Covid, 1 in 3 people affected: now there is a remedy

Getting ready to say “no”

On certain occasions, such as holidays, it is already known that a drink will be offered. In some cases, it is helpful to remind yourself of the risks associated with alcohol. Some people find it helpful to explain why they have decided to limit or avoid alcohol. Others, which make giving up more difficult, may need professional help from a doctor or psychologist.

.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy