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Even low alcohol intake increased risk for breast cancer
Chen WT. J Am Med Assoc. 2011;306:1884-1890.
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Consuming a small amount of alcohol — even as few as three to six drinks per week — increased a woman's risk for breast cancer, according to data taken from the Nurses' Health Study.
In the analysis, researchers examined the drinking habits of 105,986 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study between 1980 and 2008. Looking at 2.4 million person-years in follow-up, 7,690 breast cancer cases occurred.
Data indicated that even a low intake of alcohol increased risk for breast cancer, with 5 g to 9.9 g consumed per day equating to a 15% increased risk (95% CI, 1.06-1.24). In addition, compared with women who never consumed alcohol, women with steady consumption — at least 2 drinks per day — had about at 50% increased risk for breast cancer (95% CI, 1.35-1.70).
No associations were found based on type of alcohol when comparisons were made between wine, beer and liquor. However, researchers did find that alcohol consumption between ages 18 years and 40 years, as well as after age 40 years, both were independently associated with an increased risk.
It would seem alcohol now can be classified as a third breast carcinogen, in addition to ionizing radiation and hormone therapy, according to Steven A. Narod, MD,
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of the Women's College Research Institute in Toronto. In an accompanying editorial, Narod questioned whether the results mean that postmenopausal women should stop drinking to reduce their breast cancer risk.
"For some women, the increase in risk of breast cancer may be considered substantial enough that cessation would seem prudent. However, there are no data to provide assurance that giving up alcohol will reduce breast cancer risk," Narod wrote.
Earn CME this spring at the HemOnc Today Breast Cancer Review & Perspective meeting to be held March 23-24, 2012 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. See details at HemOncTodayBreastCancer.com.
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