Breast cancer risk increased by consuming one alcohol drink a day
Drinking only a glass of wine or other alcoholic drink a day increases breast cancer risk, according to a major report by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
The report also noted that vigorous exercise like running or bicycling decreases the risk of pre- and post- menopausal breast cancers.
Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, a lead author of the report and cancer prevention expert at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, said: “With this comprehensive and up-to-date report the evidence is clear: Having a physically active lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight throughout life and limiting alcohol – these are all steps women can take to lower their risk.”
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The study found significant evidence that drinking the equivalent of a small glass of wine or beer a day (around 10 grams alcohol) increases the risk for developing pre-menopausal breast cancer by 5% and the risk for post-menopausal breast cancer by 9%. A standard drink has 14 grams of alcohol.
Pre-menopausal women who were the most active had a 17% lower risk of getting breast cancer, while post-menopausal women had a 10% lower risk. Moderate activity, like walking and gardening, resulted in a 13% lower risk of breast cancer in comparison with the least active women.
“Wherever you are with physical activity, try to nudge it up a bit, either a little longer or a little harder. Make simple food shifts to boost protection – substitute veggies like carrots, bell peppers or green salad for chips and crackers and if you drink alcohol, stick to a single drink or less,” said Bender, MS, RDN, AICR’s Head of Nutrition Programs .
“There are no guarantees when it comes to cancer, but it’s empowering to know you can do something to lower your risk.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in US women, with more than 250,000 new cases in 2017. AICR believes one in three breast cancer cases could be prevented if women did not drink alcohol, were physically active and stayed a healthy weight.
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