Wellness Wednesday

A Glass of Wine a Day Doesn't Keep Breast Cancer Away

According to a new study, a glass of any alcoholic beverage could lead to an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

Studies that involve drinking are very similar to research that explores the benefits and detriments of chocolate; the studies are very unclear in delivering an explanation into whether the behavior presents more of a benefit or a risk. The American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund have teamed up, and produced a wholesome and conclusive report for behavioral risks and benefits for breast cancer. The groups looked at 119 studies focused on breast cancer that were published since 2010, and included data on 12 million women. The researchers concluded their review with the following results:

• A small glass of wine or beer a day increases pre-menopausal breast cancer risk by 5% and post-menopausal women by 9%.
• Vigorous exercise in pre-menopausal women reduces the risk of breast cancer by 17% and in post-menopausal women by 10%. Moderate activity, such as gardening, reduced the risk by 10%.
• Mothers who breastfeed are at a significantly reduced risk for breast cancer.
• Greater adult weight gain, or being obese or overweight in post-menopausal women increases the risk for breast cancer significantly.
• 1/3 cases of breast cancer in the United States could be prevented if the person did not drink, exercised vigorously, and maintained a healthy body weight.
• Non-starchy vegetables produced a possible link to reduced risk for breast cancer.