Alcohol Raises The Chance For Breast Cancer In Women

by Heather McLaughlin

A recent study has found that drinking alcoholic beverages can contribute to a higher risk of breast cancer in women. The study that determined that all types of alcohol, wine, beer and hard liquor all add equally to the risk.

“This is a hugely underestimated risk factor,” said Dr. Patrick Maisonneuve, head of epidemiology at the European Institute of Oncology in Italy, who was not connected to the study.

“Women drinking wine because they think it is healthier than beer are wrong,” he said. “It’s about the amount of alcohol consumed, not the type.”

The researchers said that other factors such as age, weight and genetics also played a role in determining whether or not a woman got breast cancer. They stopped short of saying that alcohol played a significant role, but could contribute to the disease.

According to the British Journal of cancer in 2002, approximately 44,000 cases of breast cancer were caused by alcohol consumption.

Researchers aren’t suggesting that you have to cut booze from your diet entirely, but do suggest that women need to be aware of the risks associated with it and recommend watching the amount of alcohol they consume.

AP