| One Drink a Day Ups Breast Cancer Risk | |
|
Remarkably, the same research did not show an increase for breast cancer for patients who smoke tobacco, but the authors were quick to point out that smoking does increase the risk of lung cancer.
"The more women drink, the higher their risk of breast cancer," Professor Valerie Beral, of the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford told a news conference. One drink a day increases a woman's risk of breast cancer by seven percent, the study found.
Researchers analyzed the results of 53 previous studies into the effects of alcohol and smoking on breast cancer. They estimate alcohol accounts for about four percent of breast cancer cases in the developed world. Beral said although this represents only a small number of the total breast cancer cases, women should be made aware of the additional risk.
The researchers admitted they do not know how alcohol raises the risk of breast cancer, however they suspect drinking alcohol alters levels of the female hormone estrogen. Other risks for breast cancer include a family history of the disease, early puberty, late menopause, delaying childbirth until late in life or not having children at all.
This was the first study that was able to separate the effects of alcohol and smoking on the increased risks of developing breast cancer. The report was published in the British Journal of Cancer.
"We found that drinking, but not smoking, increases the risk of breast cancer," said Sir Richard Doll, a co-author of the report. "This report is giving us a definitive answer."
Previous Features
