A study published in today’s Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that even moderate consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
The study followed more than 100,000 nurses ages 30-55 for 28 years and found that women who drank 3 to 6 glasses of alcohol a week were at a 15% greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who did not drink. The study also reported the more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk for the disease. The study did not find any change in risk among women who drank beer, wine or liquor.
Previous research has raised the issue of alcohol and breast cancer, but the size of the group followed and the duration of this study meant the investigation could be carried out with greater precision. It should be noted, however, that the study shows an association between alcohol and breast cancer, but not that it causes the disease.
The study has stirred some controversy in the face of research that concludes a moderate intake of alcoholic beverages helps reduce the risk of heart disease. For many women, the confusion makes weighing the risk factors difficult.
In a Good Morning America interview with co-anchor Robin Roberts, Dr. Richard Besser, ABC’s Chief Health and Medical Editor, addressed the issues. Dr. Besser pointed to the fact that 1 in 3 women will die of heart disease while 1 in 36 will succumb to breast cancer. He stressed that if there is a family history of breast cancer, the new study would indicate abstinence as a prudent course to follow. If there is no history of breast cancer, the greater risk of heart disease and the benefits of moderate alcohol intake should be taken into account when making a choice about drinking.
Clearly, whether or not to avoid alcohol is a personal choice. Current American Heart Association Guidelines recommend that women have no more than one drink per day. Said Dr. Besser, “If you are having an occasional drink, don’t stop because of the study. If you do not drink, don’t start. All in moderation.”
Sources:
The Journal of the American Medical Association
abcnews.com