Light drinkers have higher chance of developing breast cancer

Light drinking may actually be bad for the body

Research shows that drinking alcoholic beverage increases breast cancer risk. Is it time to abstain?

There have been numerous studies in the past linking alcohol intake with breast cancer risk, and these studies reveal that there is no increased risk of developing breast cancer among light drinkers. However, a recent research study of 100,000 US nurses showed light drinking increases breast cancer risk. The research  appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association on November 2, but the study started in 1980 covering participants with ages between 30 and 55.

While the result is alarming, it is important to point out that the study did not prove that drinking alcohol causes cancer, it just showed the link of alcohol to breast cancer risk. The new research is said to have followed many women in a span of almost 30 years, making the study more extensive.

According to breast cancer expert Dr. Susan Love, there could be a number of reasons why light drinkers have higher risk, and it could be the lifestyle, the eating habits, the inactivity, and the unhealthy diets.

Based on the study, women who consume three to six drives every week had a 15 percent higher chance of developing breast cancer compared to women who complete abstain from alcoholic beverages. In statistical terms, it would result in four additional cases of breast cancer for every 1,000 women.

In alcoholic intake lingo, this means that the risk is increased by 10 percent for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day. This is equivalent to a bottle of beer (12 oz) or a glass of wine (4oz). The increased risk is found to be slightly higher than those reported in other research studies.

What’s interesting is that the findings contradict other studies that suggest drinking moderate amounts of alcohol and red wine is good for the heart and may even protect against diseasesShould women be alarmed with this finding? According to breast cancer specialist, Dr. David Winchester, drinking alcoholic beverage “is definitely not one of the leading explanations” for why breast cancer develops…It’s one of many contributing factors.”

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