Alcohol and breast cancer: drinking wine can increase risk of cancer
Medically reviewed: 20, December 2023
Read Time:5 Minute
Alcohol and breast cancer: what you need to know
Alcohol is considered a risk factor for breast cancer. But until now no one can say for sure: is it really impossible, or is it possible to do it a little, and if it is possible, then how much and how often?
In May 2018, a series of alarming publications appeared in the Western press about the effect of alcohol on the risk of developing breast cancer. The journalists relied on a report by experts from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), which reported that “one dose of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.”
Why does this statement by an authoritative organization raise questions?
Because we are dealing with the so-called, “inflated evidence.”
The results obtained are based on studies that did not identify cause and effect—that is, observational studies. They certainly cannot be called useless, but limitations (more on this below) must be taken into account. AICR believes that the conclusions are indisputable – only on the basis of the established correlation.
What’s wrong with observational studies?
Observational research involves simply collecting data (observation, surveys) without active intervention in the process. In this case, statistics were collected on the level of alcohol consumption by participants, then, after some time, they found out how many people got cancer.
Factors that affect risk for breast cancer
There are some things that can make a person more likely to get breast cancer. These things include the way they live their life, like what they eat and how active they are. Taking certain medicines that have hormones can also increase the risk. Also diet, social and financial status, smoking) were not taken into account.
Here are 18 factors that may be associated, more or less, with mammary gland cancer. Alcohol is also on this list, but it is only one of many, and this is important to understand.
However, there are certain risk factors that are not within our power to change. Gender is one such factor, as breast cancer predominantly affects women. Additionally, age is another uncontrollable risk factor, with the likelihood of breast cancer increasing significantly in women over the age of 50.
Lastly, genetics also play a role in determining breast cancer risk, but unfortunately, we are unable to alter our genetic makeup. Therefore, while it is important to focus on making positive lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of breast cancer, it is crucial to acknowledge and accept the existence of certain factors that are beyond our influence.
By understanding the distinction between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, individuals can make informed decisions and take appropriate preventive measures to safeguard their health.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, and while some of these factors can be influenced by making positive lifestyle choices, others are beyond our control. For instance, habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and dietary choices can be modified to reduce the risk of breast cancer. By giving up these unhealthy habits, adopting a nutritious diet, and engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can actively work towards minimizing their chances of developing breast cancer. Such factors are called immutable risk factors.
And also: scientists don’t yet have a clear answer to the question “why breast cancer develops.”
What about clinical trials?
Alas, of course they never were and never will be. Only a randomized controlled trial, in which participants are divided into two groups and one of them is asked to drink alcohol, will be able to definitively show that the development of cancer is not influenced by some other factor. But such research is, to put it mildly, unethical.
In addition to its connection to various health issues, alcohol is also linked to an elevated likelihood of developing numerous other diseases, so no one will risk the health and life of members of the “using” group.
Many doctors warn patients at high risk of breast cancer that they should not drink alcohol every day. But this is a simple precautionary measure in the area of disease prevention (as well as many others). It certainly does not indicate that doctors are confident that alcohol will trigger a malignant process.
Are the breast cancer statistics lying?
No, but journalists must handle numbers carefully when putting them into headlines or conclusions. Almost all publications included the AICR’s information that one alcoholic drink “increases the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women by 5% and in postmenopausal women by 9%.” But only BBC journalists asked the question: what do these numbers really mean? They gave an example: it is known that according to global statistics, every eighth woman gets breast cancer.
This implies that regardless of the circumstances, a total of thirteen out of every one hundred women will experience the occurrence of breast cancer at some point throughout their lives.
If they all drank a glass of wine every day, there would be only one additional case in the original group.
According to the report released by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), engaging in physical activities such as running or cycling has been found to contribute to a significant reduction of approximately 10% in the risk of developing breast cancer among postmenopausal women, when compared to those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle.
However, it is worth noting that the importance of regular exercise and maintaining a nutritious diet cannot be overstated, as they are widely recognized as effective approaches for promoting overall well-being and minimizing the chances of various diseases, including cancer.
What about alcohol guidelines?
In 2016, the UK set out new guidelines requiring both men and women to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. 14 units are equivalent to 6 pints of beer or 7 glasses of wine.
What’s in the bottom line?
The AICR does not report anything new about the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer. There is no talk of absolute risk either.
The position of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) seems much more clear and, at the same time, more understandable: “Each woman makes an individual choice. If you don’t drink, then you shouldn’t start. And if you drink occasionally, reduce the frequency and quantity.”
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