Alcohol and Breast Cancer Research

In a recent newsletter published by the National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF), researchers find links between the occurrence of breast cancer and the consumption of alcohol. Here is an excerpt of their report and a link to the NCSF website for more info:

While breast cancer risk is impacted by several lifestyle choices (body weight, physical activity and breastfeeding), research shows that it may be less affected by dietary choices than some other cancers, such as the cancers of the digestive tract. The major exception to this fact is a female’s alcohol consumption. According to the latest report on diet and cancer risk published by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) there is convincing evidence that alcohol intake increases an individual’s risk for breast cancer. An analysis of the research compiled by AICR found that breast cancer risk increases 6% - 10% for every 3 ounces of wine, 9 ounces of beer, or 1 ounce of 80-proof liquor consumed each day. Subsequent research supports these figures, noting a 3% - 15% increased risk for similar daily consumption. Alcohol may exert its impact in several different ways and researchers are working to identify which individuals may be most at risk. Many of the potential hypotheses involve mechanisms that foster DNA damage and can trigger the process of cancer development. For example, alcohol may disrupt absorption and use of folate, a B vitamin needed for production and repair of DNA. (Although some experts suggest that women who meet daily folate recommendations are less at risk, this is not seen consistently.) Another possibility is the breakdown of alcohol into acetaldehyde in the body, a compound that can react with cells' DNA and has been shown to cause cancer in animals. Lastly, when alcohol is metabolized, free radicals form; these highly reactive substances can cause DNA damage as well. << NCSF website here >>