October is filled with pink… So, what should we be aware of?

The process of developing breast cancer includes many factors, some of which are not yet very clear. But, research has identified a number of lifestyle factors that give us more of a statistically significant risk of developing breast cancer. Obesity, smoking, and alcohol are three of these factors. Alcohol consumption seems to be one factor that is often over looked. Studies say that a woman who consumes greater then 7 glasses of any alcohol per week, has a higher chance of developing breast cancer than a woman who consume less. The greater the number of drinks consumed per week continues to increase the risk factor. Research also shows that alcohol doesn’t just play a role in increasing the incidence of breast cancer, but it also increases the risk of recurrence.

This risk is potentially due to alcohol’s ability to increase circulating estrogen along with it’s ability to slow the metabolism of estrogen. Alcohol as a risk factor appears to be greater for postmenopausal and overweight woman.

The first part of prevention is awareness, the second part is action.

As it seems it is not as the saying goes, ‘drink and be merry’. So, consume less then one drink per day or 7 drinks per week to decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. My personal recommendation for women is 3 drinks or less per week.