Is There a Relationship Between Alcohol and Breast Cancer?

Did you know your favourite drink might be hiding a potentially life-altering secret? Harmless as casual drinking may seem, research links alcohol consumption and breast cancer. In Kenya, cancer ranks third as the leading cause of death, with over 6,000 new cases annually. It’s also the 2nd most common cancer among women worldwide, so it’s crucial to understand the factors that underpin it. And what better time than during this Women’s Health Month?

So grab your favourite non-alcoholic beverage and dig in as we shed light on the alcohol-breast cancer connection. Cheers to knowledge and empowerment!

Understanding the Link Between Alcohol and Breast Cancer

The World Health Organisation lists breast cancer as the most common cancer globally, with approximately 100,000 cases attributed to alcohol consumption. So the big question is, does alcohol matter regarding breast cancer? 

Well, research suggests that one for the road per day increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer by approximately 9%. So the answer is yes.

The Science Behind Alcohol-Breast Cancer Connection

First, let’s decipher what cancer is: It originates from the Greek word Carcinos, which means Crab, coined from the tumour malignancy and likeness to a crab’s legs extending outward from every body part. Now to the medical part: it’s a group of diseases underpinned by the following characteristics:

1. Uncontrolled cell and tissues growth
2. The destruction of adjacent cells
3. Spread to other locations in the body via the lymph or blood

How Does Alcohol Come In?

Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, a category of substances that cause carcinogenicity (the ability to induce cancer or increase its risk factors) in humans. Asbestos, radiation, and tobacco also belong to this family. Here’s what carcinogenicity does:

• It modifies hormone levels
• Carcinogens increase estrogen production
• They induce oxidative stress
• DNA damage and inflammation

These factors link high alcohol consumption to breast cancer as they play critical roles in developing cancer-related characteristics. How? 

• Oxidative Stress Causes Cell Damage

Oxidative stress refers to when the body has excess free radicals, molecules that feed on the body’s healthy cells. So a body with oxidative stress from excessive alcohol consumption boosts the destruction of cells, tissue, and DNA.

• Enhanced DNA Damage Enhances Malignancy

When you damage your DNA due to excessive alcohol consumption, the body strives to repair it. The restoration doesn’t always yield 100% normalcy, but faulty genes and mutations sometimes. These malfunctions affect the proper function of the body’s tumor suppressors, making it hard to fight against underlying cancerous conditions, allowing them to undergo malignant transformation. 

• Excess Estrogen Causes Hormonal Imbalance

Estrogen is significant for maintaining the menstrual cycle and reproductive and urinary tract health. But too much of something is poisonous, which is no different for estrogen—Excess levels increase a woman’s breast cancer risk by enhancing the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Did you know estrogen level tests exist? Why not take one today to take control of your health early? Talk to us, and we’ll make it happen.

The Role of Genetics in the Relationship Between Alcohol and Breast Cancer 

Genetics plays a vital role in one’s susceptibility to cancer, and it’s worse for specific genes. 

First, some genes aid alcohol metabolism: The ALDH2 clears alcohol from the body. But excess consumption impairs its function, making detoxification difficult. On the other hand, the ADH1B gene significantly reduces the clearance rate of alcohol from the liver. Suppose one has both or one of these genes and drinks excessively; aren’t they developing a time bomb?

Some genes put one at a higher risk; for example, the BRCA1 and BRCA2. Consuming alcohol aggravates this danger through gene mutation.

So How Much Alcohol Is Safe to Avoid Breast Cancer?

According to research, 2-3 drinks daily increases breast cancer risk by 20%. Nonetheless, even one poses a 5-9% risk. Therefore, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all consumption threshold. Genes, age, medication, health, and family history can also influence your susceptibility. So it’s safe to drink in moderation or quit if you can.

Tips for Managing Alcohol Consumption to Reducing Breast Cancer Risk

• Limit your intake
• Avoid binge-drinking
• Choose low-alcohol-content drinks
• Combine alcohol with food to reduce its absorption
• Lifestyle change: Maintain optimal health to reduce your risk through:

• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Weight management 
• Avoiding tobacco
• Breastfeeding

Pro Tip: While consulting the internet or friends offer various other tips, they may be confusing or misleading. Please don’t get lost; book an appointment for a one-stop shop and pro advice through our wellness packages.

Debunking Common Alcohol-Breast Cancer Myths

Does Having Breast Cancer Mean Doom? 

Early diagnosis is a game changer in helping discover cancer when it’s most treatable. You can achieve this tactic through periodic screening, mammograms, and self-examination to detect abnormalities soon enough and take advantage of modern treatment techniques like CyberKnife for a cure.

Cheers to Zero Breast Cancer

In conclusion, alcohol has a deep-rooted and research-proven link to breast cancer. If not genetic modification, alcohol-loving genes may be waiting for a sip to spark an underlying malignancy. Hormonal imbalance and cell damage may also arise from alcohol consumption, causing or aggravating breast cancer. To be safe, reduce your alcohol consumption to moderate levels, if not zero. You can also apply the tips shared in this article and utilise our medical services at the Waterfront Clinic for optimal health and well-being that’ll better place you to reduce your risk of cancer.