Reminder: Alcohol Causes Cancer
Despite all the talk about “toxins” in our food, one definitely toxic substance that you regularly consume probably doesn’t even bother you: alcohol. A new report shows that even one drink a day can increase the risk of breast cancer, although the risk is low.
It is difficult to prove anything to cause cancer, but there is a broad scientific consensus that alcohol is a carcinogen. The National Cancer Institute , the American Cancer Society , Cancer Research UK and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer are all involved. There is a clear link between alcohol consumption and cancers of the oropharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and breast.
A new report from the American Institute for Cancer Research explains what increases and decreases the risk of breast cancer. They estimate that a third of breast cancer cases can be prevented by exercising, not drinking alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight. With regard to alcohol, they clarify that the amount that increases your risk is as little as 10 grams per day, or about five standard drinks per week.
American women already have a 12 percent chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their lives. This is on average; your personal risk (due to genetics or the environment) may be greater or lesser. Five drinks a week raises this risk to 12.6 percent for premenopausal breast cancer, or 13.1 percent after menopause. This is a small risk, but small risks can accumulate.
We know it’s much more fun to think of alcohol as a pleasure or a beneficial virtue (since moderate alcohol consumption can protect against heart disease ), but it also comes with risks. No one recommends people start drinking to prevent heart disease, and cancer risk is a big part of that. In the end, it’s up to you to decide. Maybe you’re okay with a little extra cancer risk, or maybe the news inspires you to cut back on alcohol. Your call – just stay informed.