A recent study has found a link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of certain cancers in women.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed middle-aged women who drink even moderate amounts of alcohol (one drink per day) could be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, rectal cancer, and liver cancer. The study found alcohol consumption, combined with smoking, also increased a woman’s risk of developing cancers of the oral cavity, throat, and esophagus.
For women who drank two or more drinks each day, incidence of breast cancer rose 12 percent with each drink consumed, and incidence of rectal cancer rose 10 percent with each drink.
Although there were limitations to the study, researchers believe there is a definitive link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.
“Women who drink frequently over several years are definitely increasing their risk of developing breast cancer, liver cancer, rectal cancer, and possibly colon cancer,” says Mukesh Shah, MD, Oncologist, Hematologist, and Karmanos Cancer Institute-affiliated Physician on staff at Crittenton. “It is vital that alcohol consumption be kept to a minimum.”
Striving for a Healthy Lifestyle
Along with drinking alcohol, several other factors, including obesity and smoking, can increase a woman’s cancer risk.
Women who are obese have an increased risk of developing breast and colon cancers. Excess estrogen released by fatty tissues can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, especially in women who have gone through menopause. Eating a diet high in saturated fats is also a risk factor.
“Cancer prevention begins with living a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Shah. “Not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and minimizing alcohol consumption are the main things women should do to lower their cancer risk.”
Treatment You Can Count On
The Crittenton Cancer Center is a 30,000-square-foot facility in Rochester Hills that provides access to top cancer specialists, advanced treatment options (such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy), imaging, and laboratory services in an environment that is comfortable and close to home.
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