Alcohol Consumption, Breast Cancer, & The Scientific Connection
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this topic hits close to home for me, as I lost my mom, Deanna Brandt, to this disease. With research linking alcohol consumption to an increased risk of breast cancer, it’s crucial to shed light on this issue.
Being one of the most common cancers among women globally, breast cancer is caused by various factors, and not just alcohol, but alcohol consumption has emerged as a significant concern. There is ample research indicating that small to moderate alcohol intake can increase breast cancer risk, making understanding this connection crucial for our female counterparts to understand the risks involved.
Connecting Alcohol & Breast Cancer
At first, I was pretty shocked by the numerous studies that have explored the association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. However, seeing as how it has taken out some of our favorite people i.e. our mothers, daughters, wives, and friends, it is not too shocking that this subject has been so well-researched. Numerous studies have established a clear association between alcohol consumption and an elevated risk of breast cancer. Just by typing the words “alcohol and breast cancer” a pull quote from the American Cancer Society (ACS) is the first choice stating, “Breast cancer: Drinking even small amounts of alcohol is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Alcohol can raise estrogen levels in the body, which may explain some of the increased risk. Avoiding or cutting back on alcohol may be an important way for many women to lower their risk of breast cancer.”
Further reinforcing this connection, when you scroll past the ACS article we see such organizations the World Health Organization connecting “nearly 40 000 new breast cancer cases” to alcohol consumption and BreastCancer.org stating the very obviously failed marketing myth by big alcohol statin that “red wine helps prevent cancer” among MANY other reputable sources all stating the alarming rise of alcohol’s connection to breast cancer.
The Evidence Behind the Connection
Understanding the biological mechanisms that connect breast cancer to alcohol consumption is crucial. Alcohol can elevate estrogen levels, a hormone known to fuel certain types of breast cancer. A study in Cancer Research found that alcohol metabolism increases levels of acetaldehyde, a byproduct that can disrupt estrogen balance and promote tumor growth (Seitz et al., 2017).
Additionally, alcohol can impair DNA repair mechanisms, contributing to genetic mutations that lead to cancer. Research published by the National Cancer Institute indicates that oxidative stress induced by alcohol can result in DNA damage, increasing the likelihood of cancerous transformations in the breast, mouth, upper throat, bowel, liver, esophagus, and larynx (voice box).
Alcohol was declared a known carcinogen back in 1988. Yep. So up until recently, the guidelines that allowed for 1-2 drinks daily for women and men was a legitimate marketing ploy paid for by big alcohol. Never mind the numbers from the CDC that alcohol consumption has and continues to cause 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the U.S. or about 3.5% of all cancer-related deaths.
Guidelines & Recommendations
Given the robust evidence linking alcohol consumption to breast cancer, we at Crow’s Nest Ranch recommend ZERO drinks per day. By abstaining from drinking you will eliminate introducing alcohol (ethanol) to your body which is then converted into acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages DNA, stops cells from repairing the damage, and ultimately causes cancer.
The association between alcohol consumption and increased risk of breast cancer is well-supported by scientific research. Women should be made aware of these risks and encouraged to consider their alcohol consumption as part of a broader strategy for cancer prevention as a whole. If you or a loved one is struggling with limiting their use then please contact us today.
