The new study was part of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study, a randomized trial of screening for breast cancer in women 40 to 59. The women completed lifestyle and dietary questionnaires to identify lifestyle factors that may affect breast cancer risk. The authors also point out an increased risk was seen in all types of alcoholic drinks wine, beer and spirits which suggests breast cancer risk is related to alcohol consumption itself rather than to other substances in the beverages. Reasons aren t fully understood The reason alcohol may increase the risk of breast cancer is not fully understood, according to Dr. Feigelson. It may be due to the role of alcohol in increasing plasma estrogen and insulin-like growth factor levels, which could increase cancer risk.
Alcohol consumption is one of the few breast cancer risk factors that can be easily modified.
Some of the factors that give women the highest risk for breast cancer are having a family history of the disease, beginning menstruation at an early age, undergoing menopause at a late age and having one s first full-term pregnancy at a late age, Dr. Feigelson says. Increased physical activity, prolonged lactation and maintaining a low body mass index after menopause are linked to lower risk, she adds. It is known that alcohol also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and larynx, especially among people who smoke. It also contributes to liver cancer and other liver diseases, as well as accidents. Although moderate alcohol use reduces heart disease risk, other lifestyle factors such as exercise and a healthy diet lower risk of both heart disease and cancer.