Spring Break
Study: Excessive drinking could cause breast cancer
Johnie Emma Gall
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: Health & Fitness
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(U-WIRE) University Park, Pa. - Before heading out to the bars this weekend, women may want to think twice about how much they drink because they could be risking more than a hangover.
A new study led by researchers Arthur Klatsky and Yan Li of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in Oakland, California found that heavy consumption of any type of alcohol increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
"There have been many studies in the past linking alcohol and breast cancer, but until now there has been some confusion about the effect of the choice of beverage and the amount consumed," Klatsky said. "We now know that drinking three to four drinks a day of any type of alcohol, be it wine, beer, or liquor, increases the risk."
The study, released Sept. 27 at the European Cancer Conference in Barcelona, is just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness month, which lasts throughout October.
The study looked at the drinking habits of more than 70,000 women using information provided during health examinations between 1973 and 1985. By 2004, 2,829 of the women in the study had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
"That is pretty scary, it definitely makes me think. But I don't think a lot of women will stop drinking altogether," Maria Navarro (junior-accounting) said. "Hopefully some change their drinking habits though."
The study found that women who drank more than three alcoholic beverages a day increased their risk for cancer by 30 percent in comparison to women who drank less than one a day.
However, Klatsky said it is important to consider some possible variables in the research.
"When you survey 70,000 people, is it very likely that a number will lie about their drinking habits. Also, one to two drinks can imply a wide range. There is a difference between a woman drinking a glass of wine and drinking two martinis," Klatsky said.
According to Klatsky, while only a small number of women are heavy drinkers, it is important for all women to consider the risks of drinking alcohol, especially if they have a family history of breast cancer.
"Women shouldn't be afraid to have a few drinks, a glass of wine to promote heart health. They should, however, always keep the risks in mind," he said.
"When people are out partying and having a good time, I'm sure they don't think about their health very much. Hopefully people will get smarter about drinking, especially when studies like these keep coming out," said Jennifer Norfleet, a Penn State junior.
A new study led by researchers Arthur Klatsky and Yan Li of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in Oakland, California found that heavy consumption of any type of alcohol increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
"There have been many studies in the past linking alcohol and breast cancer, but until now there has been some confusion about the effect of the choice of beverage and the amount consumed," Klatsky said. "We now know that drinking three to four drinks a day of any type of alcohol, be it wine, beer, or liquor, increases the risk."
The study, released Sept. 27 at the European Cancer Conference in Barcelona, is just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness month, which lasts throughout October.
The study looked at the drinking habits of more than 70,000 women using information provided during health examinations between 1973 and 1985. By 2004, 2,829 of the women in the study had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
"That is pretty scary, it definitely makes me think. But I don't think a lot of women will stop drinking altogether," Maria Navarro (junior-accounting) said. "Hopefully some change their drinking habits though."
The study found that women who drank more than three alcoholic beverages a day increased their risk for cancer by 30 percent in comparison to women who drank less than one a day.
However, Klatsky said it is important to consider some possible variables in the research.
"When you survey 70,000 people, is it very likely that a number will lie about their drinking habits. Also, one to two drinks can imply a wide range. There is a difference between a woman drinking a glass of wine and drinking two martinis," Klatsky said.
According to Klatsky, while only a small number of women are heavy drinkers, it is important for all women to consider the risks of drinking alcohol, especially if they have a family history of breast cancer.
"Women shouldn't be afraid to have a few drinks, a glass of wine to promote heart health. They should, however, always keep the risks in mind," he said.
"When people are out partying and having a good time, I'm sure they don't think about their health very much. Hopefully people will get smarter about drinking, especially when studies like these keep coming out," said Jennifer Norfleet, a Penn State junior.
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