Several studies have suggested that alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. Remember that heart disease kills three times as many women under age 75 as breast cancer and that questions still remain about the link between alcohol and breast cancer. But this was just one small study, using only one type of hormone preparation. Presumably, more moderate amounts of alcohol would have much less of an effect on hormone levels in the blood. Alcohol and Heart Disease Studies have consistently found that regular consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol helps prevent heart attacks in middle-aged or older men and women by 30 to 50 percent.
Moderation means no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks for men.
In most studies, people who drink a moderate amount of alcohol have the lowest overall mortality rates, especially from heart disease. In general, men over 45 and women over 55 have a much greater chance of developing heart disease than cancer. The best prevention of heart disease is still proper exercise and diet. The Health Alliance is now offering a free reminder for mammograms and pap smears. Click here for details.