Drinking alcohol is a common activity in many social occasions, but it may cause severe health problems in women, particularly breast cancer.
According to the studies, even small amounts of alcohol intake can increase the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 9%. Moreover, women who consume more than three alcoholic drinks per week face at least 15% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to non-drinkers.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a commonly occurring disease when abnormal cells in the breast start to grow and develop quickly. Usually, these cells form a lump or a mass that can be detected through a mammogram screening.
Several different factors, including age, weight, hormones, genetics, and alcohol consumption can contribute to breast cancer. However, alcohol can increase the risk of developing breast cancer in women and make it more difficult to treat the disease if you already have it.
Why Does Drinking Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?
Alcohol causes breast cancer in various ways. It raises the levels of estrogen and other hormones linked to the increased risk of breast cancer. Also, it increases the production of damaging free radicals, which can damage DNA and promote cancer growth.
Moreover, alcohol inhibits the body’s ability to breakdown and erase cancer-causing substances, which can facilitate tumor growth.
What is the Link Between Breast Cancer and Alcohol?
The link between breast cancer and alcohol is direct and alarming. According to scientific studies, consuming alcohol, even small amounts of it regularly, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women.
Women who consume more than three drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of developing breast cancer than non-drinkers. Moreover, the risk of breast cancer increases up to 10% with every additional drink consumed regularly. Hence, you should rethink your alcohol consumption and reduce it, or you can be at risk of breast cancer.
How can you Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer?
To protect yourself from breast cancer, it is best to cut down or quit drinking. Even one drink a day can increase your risk of breast cancer.
Moreover, a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and limited alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, staying in a healthy weight range can prevent you from breast cancer.
Final Words
When it comes to breast cancer, prevention is the best cure. You can take the necessary steps to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer, and one of those steps is limiting alcohol intake.
If you enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages, please moderate your drinking and limit the number of drinks you consume in a week. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your concerns regarding drinking and breast cancer risk.